Coolant system

bim norway · Post by **bim norway** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 8:34 am

I have a 1995 bongo and i have been expieriencing loss of coolant i have no loss of power and no apparent leaks and no overheating but loose approx 1 litre per 400 miles is this normal

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:01 am

No not normal. You need to check more closely for leaks, there are a lot of pipes on the Bongo! Look for whie/blue deposits left by the dried anti-freeze mixture. Sometimes a hose can have a pin hole that only leaks when hot so the collant is lost as steam and is difficult to find.

Check the dipstick, are there any signs of water droplets in the oil - a sign of a failed head gasket.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 9:06 am

And for future peace of mind consider fitting the low coolant warning system as recently put together for the Bongo by Haydn Callow and Bonza. I just did - its great

bim norway · Post by **bim norway** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:05 am

Thanks for your reply regarding loss of coolant i think i will deliver bongo for a pressure test as there is no sign of leaks regards Brian

Dabs · Post by **Dabs** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:20 am

A common occurence are pin holes which open up in the hoses when at full temperature they actually stop leaking when the engine cools off.Best way to check is a bright torch.Also because of the very fine spray that comes from them it can at first look as though the leak is actually coming from somewhere else hence the use of a bright torch which is best at lighting the sprays up better.

Hope this helps
Dabs

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 10:28 am

As well as the rubber hoses check the large metal pipe that joins the two bits of rubber top hose.
Check whilst very hot and engine running for a fine mist. Also check the tank caps are not leaking.

mcgivern2326 · Post by **mcgivern2326** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 12:58 pm

Speaking as someone who has had simular problems cant stress enough to check closely for leaks, ive had a few problems with mine doing the same thing and only after the garage I used ran some die through the system did they appear. Mine had more then one in fact but they were so small to the naked eye you would never find em!!

I check my coolant system level everyday now which is proably a bit paraniod but better safe then sorry!! Good Luck

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Thu Jul 26, 2007 1:02 pm

The coolant loss alarm checks the level for you every time you switch on the ignition

bim norway · Post by **bim norway** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:47 am

Thanks for your replys on loss of coolant i have now discovered a small leak somewhere just have to locate it!!! I was relieved actually that it wasnt the head gasket.
This is my second year with Bongo Fury very helpfull especially since we over winter in Portugal Thanks Bim

mcgivern2326 · Post by **mcgivern2326** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:55 am

Bim

Slightly diiferent note i know but I noticed that you spend you winters in portugal, we do the same and are heading back over just before christmas till mid January, we generally base ourselves around the armaco de Pera area. if your there at the same time let me know, we could start a bongo cenvention in portugal!!

bim norway · Post by **bim norway** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:21 am

Hi re-winters in Portugal we head for costa del sol first in bongo around sepember for the swimming then head back home to Portugal a place called olhao in the algarve where we cheat a bit as we have a large caravan there but we will be bongo"ing around the algarve on two and three nighters.

raystoke · Post by **raystoke** » Mon Jul 30, 2007 10:55 pm

i had a coolant loss problem a while ago. Had a few hoses replaced but still lost coolant and eventualy had a new water pump and thermostat fitted.But I put some BARRS RADIATOR stuff in and it cured it.I know it is frownd upon to use radweld stuff on a bongo but it worked and no loss of coolant since.so far

Coolant system

Coolant system

coolant problem

loss of coolant