Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

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Roy748
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Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Roy748 » Mon May 07, 2018 9:30 pm

Hello
I am seeking some advice. Recently I posted with regards to a coolant leak. I was hoping it was due to the rear heater matrix and my coolant loss at the time was less than 4 litres and the van never overheated as only went around 5 miles gently and the coolant hoses/ pipes were only warm to touch.
I have since bypassed the matrix, done 220 miles with only around 500ml top up which I hoped was trapped air escaping. I have also checked the oil filler cap for any signs of water.
Prior to this weekend I thought to be sure, I bought a uv dye which I added to the coolant. We then took a trip out of 40 miles parked up over night and then drove back today. Checking the coolant level all looks fine and the temperature stayed at 12 clock through the trip even in 25 degrees and sitting in traffic.
However I thought I would use the uv torch to see if I could see any leaks.
To my dismay I could see it under the engine sump, down the tranmission box, around the rocker cover and down the engine block. Also looking in the filler cap and the rocker cover it also glowed.. However no dye was present up the exhaust pipe.
Now my thoughts are, is this my leak or has the previous owner used a dye and it is that which I am seeing as it seems extensive staining for such a short drive with what appears none or very little coolant loss.
I just wish I had used the uv torch before adding the dye. Not sure if the dye would show up in the exhaust but as it's a new rear tail pipe if it would show up yet didn't this might help confirm it's dye from the previous owner.
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Roy748
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Roy748 » Mon May 07, 2018 10:31 pm

Another question if I may.
If the head has cracked or the head gasket needs replacing, which ever low coolant causes, what symptoms should I be experiencing other than my coolant loss.
As my van appears to run perfectly, starts on the button, idles smoothly, revs as it should, cruises without missing a beat, goes up and down the gear box as it should, never miss fires, gets up to 12 0 clock on temperature gauge and stays there, no smoke from the exhaust and does not appear to burn oil or change the oil colour.

Again any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Bob
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Bob » Mon May 07, 2018 11:35 pm

It's mostly the diesels that suffer head issues after overheating, the two litre petrol is self bleeding and less prone to this so fingers crossed.
Roy748
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Roy748 » Thu May 10, 2018 4:50 pm

Hello Bob
Thanks for your reply. I have since spoken to two local garages although neither specialise or have much experience of Bongos, one suggested dropping it off over night and they would run a radiator pressure test followed by a compression test to check for any problems and the other recommended driving it for 3 weeks and monitoring the coolant as none appears to have been lost after my recent 80 mile trip.
So that is what I am going to do, drive it about a bit and monitor it. I have a coolant alarm fitted so at least I will get warning if it does drop.
As mentioned it drives really well, I thought I would have other symptoms should damaged have been caused.
TheLongRoad
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by TheLongRoad » Thu May 10, 2018 8:48 pm

Roy748 wrote: Mon May 07, 2018 10:31 pm Another question if I may.
If the head has cracked or the head gasket needs replacing, which ever low coolant causes, what symptoms should I be experiencing other than my coolant loss.
As my van appears to run perfectly, starts on the button, idles smoothly, revs as it should, cruises without missing a beat, goes up and down the gear box as it should, never miss fires, gets up to 12 0 clock on temperature gauge and stays there, no smoke from the exhaust and does not appear to burn oil or change the oil colour.

Again any thoughts/advice would be greatly appreciated.
Not sure if it helps but I've never seen my 2 ltr temp guage get above 11 o'clock. If your's is otherwise running ok maybe there is a retricton in the system that's reducing water flow and resulting in higher temperature. Others with far more experience with Bongos than me will be able to tell us if the 12 o'clock reading on your Bongo is significant. Fingers crossed for the pressure test showing the 'big' stuff is ok.
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
Roy748
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Roy748 » Thu May 10, 2018 10:59 pm

Hello Thelongroad
Thanks for your reply, I guess mine is more 11 to 11.30 if I'm being more precise. Over the hot weekend we had down south the temperature remained at 11.30 max even when sitting in traffic so I am hopeful it's settling down now and the previous coolant loss was trapped air slowly being released. I drove it again today and I had a slight rise in the coolant level upon parking up, which shows all is normal in that respect and hopefully tomorrow when I check it the level will be back on the full mark indicating no further loss.
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by TheLongRoad » Fri May 11, 2018 9:27 am

Sounding ok then, if it was me I'd just keep an eye on it for now. Take it you have a coolant alarm fitted? If not they are really easy to fit, check out the Haydn system.
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
Roy748
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Roy748 » Fri May 11, 2018 1:39 pm

Yes I have a haydn alarm fitted, after the initial coolant loss it was my first purchase.
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Doone
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Doone » Sat May 12, 2018 7:03 pm

Your temperature gauge is sitting at what is normal for the 2l petrol.
Do you have service history from before you bought the Bongo? If you do, it may show a reason for the possible previous use of the dye - replaced radiator or hose etc.
Allan's closed. We recommend PGS (Plymouth Garage Services) or Mayflower Auto Services in Plymouth.
Roy748
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Roy748 » Sat May 12, 2018 8:28 pm

Hello Doone
I have some history with the vehicle but nothing showing possible dye use. I am of the opinion it's old dye as I have continued to monitor the level and it has remained static, I will cover a few more miles before being convinced mind but signs are more positive.
The extent of the dye coverage is just to great for no noticeable coolant loss in 100 miles.
Roy748
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Roy748 » Wed Jun 06, 2018 5:09 pm

Hello
Just thought I would post an update on my "coolant leak" which dates back a few months and several post back. To recap I discovered my rear coolant matrix had leaked one evening and only discovered the following day after hearing a water sloshing sound in the front matrix whilst driving.

Well it's been 300 miles on and i am now happy and confident the coolant level is no longer dropping in the header tank. As Northern Bongolow mentioned 2.0lt bongos can take time to settle down and release any trapped air in the system. Mine took around 180 miles with gradually reducing top ups of the header tank. Admittedly I was only doing between 15 - 30 mile runs out but was not confident to travel too far.
I fitted a Haydn coolant alarm following the leak and fortunately no head damage appears to have occurred.

Hope this post helps other 2.0lt drivers who appear to experience similar coolant loss but cannot identify any leaks. Clock up the miles and hopefully like mine it will settle down.
Bob
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Re: Adding Uv dye to a 2.0lt petrol bongo

Post by Bob » Wed Jun 06, 2018 5:38 pm

Thanks for the update, well done. :)
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