Hmmm, to me it almost sounds like your system is SO clean, it just cools fast... I cannot think of one thing that you haven't done. :) Is the engine really hot, even though the gauge is down? If it's cooling, then the fluid's fine... if you can hear it... that seems really clean to me. :) LOL!

The engine farting... do you mean back firing...? maybe the engine's missing... check the plugs and wires and cap/rotor... Not sure on that one... :)

~Amanda

I had the same problem with a gargling liquid sound after I shut off the engine. This went on for a good three months. I could smell very hot coolant as I closed the door. I noticed a small leak of coolant near the waterpump. Sure enough. Replaced waterpump, bypass hose and clamp. Total cost with labor 225.00. Problem Solved. As far as a fart noise...well never heard the fart noise. But I did get backfire when I start, stop, start, stop, etc., during the hot afternoons here in Los Angeles. My job requires that I stop and restart my engine 15 + times a day. Usually loose power as I restart and try to hit the gas with the A/C on. It hesitates and then takes off. Nearly got killed a few times doing left turns in front of people. Severe loss of power. Now I just rev it up and make sure its idling without the backfire. I have not solved this problem.THIS IS MY BIGGEST COMPLAINT ABOUT MY 96 DAKOTA. Noone (mechanics), seems to understand what I am talking about. Or they don't care. Anyone?