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...

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....

Hello again, Got towed to a local garage (apparently that's how it's done here) but that particular garage were not at all helpful so no further forward today. Getting towed tomorrow to a hopefully more helpful garage tomorrow. I've been assured they will be given the diagnostics given by the commun...

Thanks for the instructions and translation. Fortunately we're staying with friends in this section of our holiday. Thanks for the tip though.

We have RAC cover and their call centre was excellent. Just received a text to say a mechanic will be here within the hour. Will keep you posted.

Cheers,

Thanks cmm303, The last few days have been cooler but the first week was scorching - plus 30 degrees. Done approx 2,000k driving in that time so the bongo has been thoroughly tested, probably too much! Aircon has been on previously whilst on long motorway drives but wound the windows down on the loc...

Thanks Mike, I'm guessing I was filling up from empty or near empty. Having left things to cool down, I've rechecked the water level in the coolant and it appears to have drained away. Not great really. The temperature gauge is showing neutral so I don't think there's an overheating issue (assuming ...

Thanks for all your comments. We have a diesel 2.5 turbo. I've topped up with water this morning then taken for a 15 minute drive (it's hilly in the Dordogne so good rev variation). There has been no gurgling noise and performance is holding up. What is an issue however is the radiator fan - you can...

Hi all, Driven from Scotland to South of France. Have completely overlooked the coolant which now appears to be empty. There's a slight gurgling sound appearing to come from that compartment when driving. I'll need to buy some locally but not sure what I should be looking for. Other forum threads ta...

My mechanic (I've used him for years on other vehicles so he's trusted) has tried tightening it but this hasn't worked. A new belt is what's been recommended but when I say he can't source I should have been a little clearer and say his parts supplier can't find an exact match to the size of belt. I...

Hi all, I've been putting up with a persistent belt rotational noise for a number of months. It's the belt that sits just behind the alternator. Air-con is switched off so have ruled this out. Noise tends to dissipate when accelerating beyond 20mph. Local mechanic cannot source replacement belt. Bon...