It could have stored a fault code, even if there’s no flashing light. Get the code read, it’ll tell you what’s wrong. The problem is often mass air flow meter or lamda sensor, on the 2l petrol.

Are you far from Nick Bennet in Stafford? He sells Bongos and spares as well as working on them.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about him. 🙂
His website is pretty out of date!
But there’s plenty of recommendations for him on various Facebook Bongo groups.
Website: https://www.bennettsbongos.co ...

There’s a fact sheet somewhere but I’m not sure where. I found this on one of the Facebook Bongo groups. All credit to Clive James for sharing it.

Sounds like it’ll be another great trip.

Thanks for the update, just in time as we are researching new tyres now.

You can drain by undoing that hose and the radiator stop cock. Remove both pressure caps to speed up draining.
But it leaves approx 1-2 litres still in the system.
So if you undo the thermostat housing, you get more out.
And you can change the thermostat at the same time, which is always good ...

Well done!
Yes it would be sad to lose Lush Projects. Is anyone in touch with Iain? https://www.lushprojects.com/about/

Water pump & thermostat gaskets are usually in the kit.
It could be sensible to change the rocker cover gasket as it's likely to be worn out too, if it's as old as the other parts. If it leaks, the oil can affect the plugs.

"He wants to first just put a new belt on, spin the camshaft by hand whereby ?check pistons have compression? He says this will rule out damaged/bent valves."
Yes it will.

That explains the oil leak was most likely from the cam seals and/or crank seal.
Change all 5 seals, hydraulic adjuster, 2 ...

Its plausible.
He probably tested the coil lead.
But double check that he has. Because if that fails, there'd also be no spark.

The Alaska highway sounds like an incredible Bongo adventure! Its sad when it ends. But we do have a few members from Canada. Maybe one will see your post and get in touch.

The numbers on that link are correct.
The cap will only fit one way.

The fuel filter is under the van, at the front of the fuel tank. It's a black canister on the chassis. Its held on with a bolt through the bracket & 2x 10ml nuts. When you disconnect the pipe, fuel might spray out.

Trouble is ...

Theres no common problem why a V6 suddenly cuts out, they do it so rarely unless the cambelt breaks.
As it happened after you'd run low on fuel, you could check the fuel filter.
Dirt can block the filter enough to cause fuel starvation.
Especially if it hasn't been replaced recently.

You'll be able to find a diagram on Lush Projects site.I hope it helps. https://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/

Theres some info in this post that might help: viewtopic.php?t=69147