Burst Rad.

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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Pauldees
Junior Bongonaut
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:31 am

Burst Rad.

Post by Pauldees » Sun Dec 29, 2019 6:51 pm

Hi all , and Merry Christmas.
I was half way into a trip today and the radiator decided to split and dump its water. The cooler alarm let me know nice and quick so pulled over straight away.
RAC were out fast and after a phone call the fella found a rad and fitted it.
He did say to keep an eye on the levels but he was happy with the fit and all hoses were getting to temperature..
We had some food then went to drive home. Within 20 meters the alarm went off again and the level in the expansion tank dropped to about half way but no more. I topped it up and ran the motor for a while and no leaks were apparent so I carried on. About 10 miles later I lost about the same again! Topped that up and got the van home, by that time it was dark.
I can’t see any leaks ,
Could this be an air lock sorting itself out?
Or should I be more worried?
What should I check?
I’m not sure if the system was bled as he didn’t go into the engine bay.

Any advice would be Greatly appreciated folks.

Thanks in advance.

Paul.
Bob
Supreme Being
Posts: 15255
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:54 pm
Location: North Somerset

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by Bob » Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:16 pm

Oh dear, we hear this far too often.

Which engine do you have? The 2 ltr petrol is like any other vehicle.

The V6 and diesel MUST be bled after coolant loss - it will not 'sort itself out'. :(

If the mechanic didn't spend about 40 minutes with his head inside then it hasn't been bled and you may be having to decide weather to try and claim for a head repair.

Good luck.

Edit: Obvious advice is don't drive it until it's sorted.
Pauldees
Junior Bongonaut
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:31 am

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by Pauldees » Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:35 pm

Thanks for the reply Bob.
It’s a V6, I left him to it so I’m unsure what he did but pretty sure he did not go into the engine bay!
Does this mean the damage has been done you think? She drives fine!!

I would probably have to drive it somewhere for bleeding and inspection as I don’t have any place really local that knows Bongo’s or I would trust to know anyway.
Bob
Supreme Being
Posts: 15255
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:54 pm
Location: North Somerset

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by Bob » Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:44 pm

Thankfully the V6 is much less prone to head failure than the diesel, but it does need to be bled after coolant loss.

It's entirely up to you if you drive it, but it might be worth looking at the cost of transport to an expert v cost of head replacement. :wink:
Pauldees
Junior Bongonaut
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:31 am

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by Pauldees » Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:50 pm

Fair point Bob.
Do you by chance know of any mobile mechanics that cover the Sussex area?
I have used Jake at Bongomad so will contact him in the morning as well.
I appreciate your time , thank you.
Bob
Supreme Being
Posts: 15255
Joined: Wed Oct 17, 2007 12:54 pm
Location: North Somerset

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by Bob » Sun Dec 29, 2019 8:02 pm

No worries. :wink:

I'm some way from you, but someone may know an expert, or there's a list in the Members' Area.
Pauldees
Junior Bongonaut
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:31 am

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by Pauldees » Sun Dec 29, 2019 8:07 pm

Thanks for your time Bob.
I’ll take a look.
teenmal
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Location: north lanarkshire

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by teenmal » Sun Dec 29, 2019 8:38 pm

Hi Paul, did the RAC man fit the radiator?
Pauldees
Junior Bongonaut
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2019 10:31 am

Re: Burst Rad.

Post by Pauldees » Sun Dec 29, 2019 9:03 pm

Hi teenmal

Yes he did fit the rad.
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