Coolant

[cmm303]

Everything crossed for you.

[Bob]

If it's an auto box the handbook says no more than 30 kph (18 mph) when being towed.

[cmm303]

If it's an auto box the handbook says no more than 30 kph (18 mph) when being towed.

Cool spot Bob.
The auto box needs the engine running to lubricate it.
Lifting the front wheels up on a frame isn't good either.

[Bob]

Not with a 4wd, it will either jump off or bust the transmission.

[bongo_tc]

Hi, latest update...

Firstly to elaborate, the van was placed on to a pick up lorry so thankfully not hoisted off its front wheels. The initial garage who weren't helpful did say they were convinced it was a thermostat that needed replaced but they said they didn't have time or the parts to replace. They paid no attention to the French instructions given for bleeding the coolant. I doubt very much that fixing a thermostat in isolation is going to solve my problems.

The van is currently at a second garage awaiting their own diagnostics. Haven taken delivery of the van today, I've just been advised they haven't had time to do anything today so with the national holiday tomorrow, then the weekend, it will be Monday before they have a chance to make their own assessment. I'm obliged to wait for their response due to ensure I benefit from the breakdown coverage. In fairness to the RAC they have been helpful as they could be and I've reiterated many times of the advice kindly given on this forum which has subsequently been passed to the garage. It means we're stuck in the area for the coming days with the end of our trip in just over a week but it's a lovely area so we'll hang tight - plus we have our courtesy car to get around so that's been useful.

A few lessons have been learned, most lately wondering if it was prudent to have the van taken away. I naively assumed a mechanic would turn up, bleed the coolant and bid us adieu, not the saga that's unfolded. I also wonder if specialist bongo breakdown coverage would have served us better but this is a question for another day. So not much else I can really say for now except thanks again for the support of the forum members. Any further thoughts gratefully received but otherwise I'll send another update when I have it!

Cheers,

[Northern Bongolow]

the first lesson to learn is dont break down in france in anything at all,
someone i know just spent 5-6 days waiting for a simple repair on a german motor, but it was another holiday weekend, another spent a fortune when his saab power steering pump went, flew home then back again when it was eventually fixed, he said it was cheaper to fly home and back budget flights than to stay and wait in a hotel. .

[bongo_tc]

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay. Been a whirlwind few days!

Diagnosis finally came through on Tuesday evening to be advised that the head gasket likely needs replaced. Given that it's not a quick repair job, it's awaiting a decision on whether to repatriate the vehicle (my preferred option) or flying me back out at a later date to retrieve the vehicle myself. I'm confident they'll repatriate. The French do great wine, cheese, motorway stations etc but I remain to be convinced that their mechanics compare to our own. A week from reporting the issue to coming up with that assessment is beyond my comprehension.

Anyway hats off to the RAC as they've paid for a hire car for the rest of the trip, including a one-way to Calais (where we are tonight) and another car to take us from Dover back north. They've also covered taxi's to pickups and drop offs throughout. Still managed to have a good holiday despite the circumstances thanks to their assistance.

May I also say a big thank you to the forum community for your support and advice. Cmm003, thanks to your post we took your recommendation and stayed 4 nights at Camping Moulin de la Geneste. We met Sharon and Steve and my word they were extremely nice and supportive people. What a great campsite they run and I strongly encourage any fellow Bongo enthusiasts to include a stay there during your continental adventures. If you are going to break down in France, then I suggest you plan it somewhere near the vicinity of their site. I would never have known about it if weren't for our breakdown and that would have been a great shame!

Cheers,

[Bob]

Really glad things are going ok for you, and what a bonus to be put on to such a great site.

It's highly likely that the head itself is cracked and simply replacing the gasket will just result in another breakdown.

If you can get Bongy fetched back to a Bongo Savvy garage that is by far your best bet, fingers crossed.

[cmm303]

Thanks for the update. It great to hear how things pan out and even better that it wasn't all bad.

Sorry to hear though that Bongo is poorly. I'd reiterate and emphasising what Bob said. In all probability the head is cracked, it is so rare on this engine for the gasket to go in isolation. Do everything you can to have Bongo repatriated and fixed by a Bongo specialist who will be well practiced with this job and have a tried and tested source for parts.