![Very Happy :D](./images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
The head actually looks fine with no sign of a problem. Certainly didn't end up with emulsified oil which is so often the outcome of a failed cyl hd gasket. However rather than chance a possible (or rather probable) serious cylinder head failure at a later date the decision was made to replace the existing cylinder head and a few more bits and titivate the engine compartment whilst good access was available.
Not only was the cylinder head replaced but also the water pump, thermostat (of course), all coolant pipes were replaced with silicon ones (that was fun, NOT!), belts for the air con and water pump, air filter?, cam belt, pulley and tensioner. The engine was gunked, alloy bits given a bit of a clean with a wire brush and hidden areas given a top up with waxoyl.
The engine started beautifully tonight (after a good bleed) and a run around the block was made to get the engine temp up. Returned home and will now check the coolant level in the morning having bled (hopefully) all the air out.
I actually removed the front seats and carpets and access was excellent.
We have now owned our Bongo for nearly '5' trouble free years. We can't see us getting rid of her for a very long time yet and hopefully the above works will now give us another lengthy period of virtually trouble free motoring.
Thank you to those of you who have offered help, advice and guidance.
Oh, and a Mason alarm goes on tomorrow to sort the temp gauge out.