Well, as it heats up, it pushes the liquid into the recovery tank, so that could be the bubbling.

It does seem to be running a bit hot, perhaps a clogged radiator or heater core. Maybe a bad water pump. Was it behaving the same before the new water pump?

Maybe just needs a good burping.

Edit: on another read, a burping is very likely the fix.

 

And if the cap is weak, then the boiling point would change, if it’s not holding at 15 lbs

 

Thanks to you all, it turns out that it was the radiator cap, problems solved. I was not trying to save $10, I was trying not to waste it. I did replace the thermostat along with the cap and put dex-cool in it. Now it does goes to 217° and the fan turns on with no bubbling. Driving around town and on the freeway it stays at 189° to 199°. Thanks again for all your help, it is greatly appreciated.

 

Awesome, fixed!! Enjoy the drive!

 

Good catch OldBlue!!

 

I’m not just a pretty face, I’ve just applied common sense , some old school things still apply.