Thank you! That's made Allan smile after a hard few days.FWIW I have had some terrible service from people on the "Bongo competent" garage list, who cracked the cyclinder head doing a fluid change and bleed. That does NOT include Allans who are great in every regards.
I got a second opinion from a Bongo specialist, and they confirmed that the engine needs to be rebuilt/replaced. In fact, at the time they suggested a reasonable alternative would be to sell (for someone else to have the pleasure) and buy a replacement, but a) the price of of bongos has gone up, b) we like what we've got and c) it's otherwise in good condition with no rust
I've see this a few times now, on Facebook Bongo groups, about garages suggesting people sell their relatively good condition Bongo, instead of repairing them. It surprises me.
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with your Bongo. There is a Southern Bongo Group on Facebook who may be able to suggest a garage local to you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/7160693 ... ?ref=share