You guys are the business - if I mess it up now I deserve no sympathy. By the way, since we are back on the 'put a new washer on' tack - where do you buy them from?

Thanks Colin - that is excellent advice. I'll look up the lubricants sheet. Anyone advise me on whether it is practical to try an oil change with no ramps and no pit (will I be able to get underneath and remove the sump plug). Also, where can a replacement copper washer be obtained as per Colins adv...

Thanks Alan - I know, this Forum is addictive. By the way, the Bongo I bought did come from Ipswich (remember I p.m.'d you in case I could cadge a lift over).

Very happy indeed with my purchase. Looking forward to a long and happy relationship with our Mango!

Mike

Thanks Alan - good advice to start with. Anyone else able to answer my other points? Also, what oil do people use (high quality and change maybe every every 5k miles, or low quality and change every 3k miles etc.?)

This Forum is - as ever - fantastic. Thanks guys.

Mike

I've not actually changed the oil on a car in 30 years. Is it easy to change the oil on a Bongo without a workshop manual. Also, in this age of environmental this and that, what do you drain your oil into (thats big enough to take a Bongos worth of oil) and how do you dispose of it? Can it all be do...

Very interesting amethyst - what mileage do you reckon you are getting out of your low profile tyres (are they 17" rims?). Looks like I may have bought some steels I dont want. Not ture really as I can try them out, then if the alloys make more sense, keep one as a full width spare and sell the...

I know fordavefreda, thats the dilemma The alloys look great, ride perfectly OK and I will never afford them back if I let them go. Interestingly, when I dropped in at an importer In Southampton to pci up a Bongo mat I won on ebay, he looked at the Alloys (the make is 'Precious' ) and said they were...

Pete

This may sound a daft question. When you replaced your thermostat, did it involve draining and refilling the cooling system?

Also, where did you buy your Bongo thermostat from?

Thinking I might try the complete drain, backflush, thermostat change etc. myself!

Mike

Calling all Bongo Experts How practical is it for the average guy to do on his/her own? If I print off the factsheet (I think there is a Bongo Fury one isnt there?) and follow instructions, is the job really straightforward so you can be confident at the end that you have not left any air lurking in...

Sounds worth a go - I'll keep a lookout & thanks. I love my 17" alloys but they may be too high maintenance for a married man with 3 kids on a limited budget!

Mike

Fantastically good advice johnzbenson - worth a factsheet on its own! I will heed what you say. Funnily enough, I'm going to try and get in the habit of starting her up a few mins before going off to work anyway as the old lump of an engine (apologies to my beloved Mango) might like a warm-up before...

Interior light test seemed fine Dandy. Fitted new battery today - loads of umph - noticed old battery terminals not screwed on too tight which would not have helped but didnt explain it. I can keep it for charging model aeroplane batteries if its any good and feel much better with brand new 95 AmpHr...

Amazing bigdaddycain & your advice is sound - probably what I will do. The tyres on the steels I've bought are KUMHO SOLUS KH15 205/65R15 94H Looked them up on mytyres and they seem kosher. Will keep me from having to buy new ones for a while! I'm assuming I can get some 15" trims from Half...

Thanks guys - a fantastic collection of tips. I'll assemble them into a spec and then get a quote from an experienced Bongo mechanic. The guy in Bury who does work for Manchester Campers seems to get v. high ratings - might ask him.

Best

Mike

I'm told its a bugger (and therefore costly in garage time) to access and change the thermostat on a Bongo - is this true. I ask because although my new Bongo seems to behave impeccably on the temperature front, I know it has not been serviced for 2 years and reckoned it might be good to get a Bongo...