CHRIS,
The gurgling sound you describe sounds like an air-in-the-system problem, no pun intended.
As stated above, the radiator cap may not be holding pressure, and as the system cools down may be allowing air to be sucked in.
The overflow bottle hose is another possibility. It may have cracks in it, especially where it slips over the ****** at the radiator cap, or the overflow bottle.
Any loose hose connection, or a small hole in any of the systems hoses can also cause air to be sucked into the system.
If none of these seem to be the problem, try running the engine up to operating temperature with the radiator cap off. As the thermostat opens, due to the engine comming up to operating temperature, you will see the coolant "flow".
WARNING: 1. Put the cap on fully before you shut the engine down. 2. DO NOT REMOVE A RADIATOR CAP FROM A HOT ENGINE.
Watch for bubbles, i.e. air in the system. A small amount of bubbles is normal. A large amount of bubbles, burping if you will, or foam, is not normal.
You can buy a test kit at most auto parts stores that will tell you if you are getting exaust gas in the system. If you do find that it is exaust gas, this is an indication of a head gasket failure.
Start with the simple stuff, e.g. radiator cap, check for good connections, check the overflow bottle and its hose.
Check the lowest part of the timing belt cover for any signs of coolant, usually toward the back side of the cover (behind the crankshaft pulley).
If you find coolant there, it is a pretty good indication of a water pump that is failing.
You can also look behind the water pump pulley, on its underside with a small mirror, for the "weep hole". Look for signs of leaking fluid, e.g. a trail of fluid, or a trace of off white colored mineral deposits.
It could also show up as a clean spot, or trail on the water pump metal. The hot fluid cleans away the grease and grime. Hope this helps, rangerj
