Sigh...another coolant loss problem

lindeelu · Post by **lindeelu** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:28 pm

Hi Bernie.

Sounds like you are suffering the domino effect!

Sometimes when a hose fails and is repaired, another is disturbed and also cracks.
Also if a hose splits at the end it is a waste of time cutting it short to repair it, it should be replaced.

This usually means the hoses are past their use by date and have gone hard and brittle so it could be wise to replace them all before you really get caught out.

John the sparky · Post by **John the sparky** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 1:51 pm

I'd definitely invest in a set of hoses now..... mainly for your sanity....

everytime you drive it you'll worry, good that the alarm picked it up.... but personally I can't stand driving along and worrying, can I smell something

but I'm sure once it's sorted it'll be absolutely fine!

John

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 2:48 pm

Agree with all the above. She'll come right. Probably best it's all happening now than mid season when you are off miles from home. Good luck - keep us posted.

bernie · Post by **bernie** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:40 pm

thanks all

I think that replacement hoses definitely seems to be the best plan.

The garage that I use are very reliable-I taken cars to them for the last 10 years, and my father in law (an ex mechanic) recommends them (and he's very fussy). But I will offer up the info I've received from the Bongo Fury gang.

Cheers

Bernie

bernie · Post by **bernie** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:47 pm

Sorry, one more thing...does the Bongo need specialist hoses? Or can the garage use standardised ones?

Cheers

Bernie

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:50 pm

No, Best to get them from Flippa. You can send him a PM from this site
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ost&u=3868

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 3:52 pm

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/silicone-coolant-hose-store - developed by Flippa, one of our members, pm him, lots of satisfied customers on here if you do a search on "silicone and hoses".

flippa · Post by **flippa** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 9:38 pm

thanks guys for giving out that info regards the hoses....have pm..ed you bernie

cheers kirsty for the link

i have been trying to do that for ages

Mack · Post by **Mack** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 10:59 pm

Re. Churcham - I had a service there with Paul and asked him to check all hoses and flush the system. He checked the hoses and gave them the all clear and fitted an alarm. I'm very happy with the garage and charges and came away very reassured - Paul even phoned Haydn to ask how much he should charge to fit his excellent alarm.
Going back soon to have new exhaust and fog lights fitted, windows tinted on Monday, by Top tints and then to Steve the spray on Easern Avenue to discuss removal of all those bloody stickers and a colour coded top.

Might get around to posting a pic or two.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Feb 19, 2008 11:10 pm

Did Bernie actually take his Bongo to Churcham Garage.? He ony says he was thinking of doing that.
Churcham garage did indeed phone me up regarding the fitting of a alarm and they seemed to be very helpful and on the case.

bernie · Post by **bernie** » Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:11 pm

Sorry all. Just to clear things up that I haven't been to Churcham garage yet. I did give them a call and the chap I spoke to was very helpful, but, as the Churcham mechanic said, the work done by the garage that did the engine replacement is still under warranty so I should go back to them first as they should do the work as part of the warranty.

I will, however, be using Churcham in the future.

Cheers

Bernie

ULRICH · Post by **ULRICH** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:14 am

Could not help noticing this post. After owning a VW T3 with rear engine and front mounted radiator with 3 metre steel pipes connecting both these things were really prone to blowing engines via corrosion pinholes in the steel tubes. Replaced them with front to rear offcuts of quality high pressure high temperature hose from a hydraulic hose shop.
Since 95 percent of all coolant loss is via either hose or connection interfaces, namely poor end connections or simply the age of the hose it is probably better economy to replace all coolant hoses over ten years old and secure them with non perforated 316 stainless steel hose clamps at the earliest opportunity.
Don't pay 100 pounds for after market hose sets which in any case are a compromise fit. Measure the OD of the metal engine/radiator connections the length of the hose plus 20 percent and armed with the fact that it it is a water glycol solution to a temperature of maximum 200 degrees C, visit your local industrial hose shop.
They will either give you the offcuts for free, or if you flatter what it is a really proud storeman you will get exactly what you need for a fraction of the price with an industrial rating above and beyond the specifications of any vehicle manufacturer. They will outlast your Bongo.
These guys are daily providing hoses to an industrial environment where failure can be catastrophic so the quality is second to none.
Alarms do nothing other than tell you an ageing hose has popped it's clogs.
Think about it.

lindeelu · Post by **lindeelu** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:24 am

Hi Ulrich

Very intersting comments.

"Don't pay 100 pounds for after market hose sets which in any case are a compromise fit. Measure the OD of the metal engine/radiator connections the length of the hose plus 20 percent and armed with the fact that it it is a water glycol solution to a temperature of maximum 200 degrees C, visit your local industrial hose shop. "

"Compromise fit" is an interesting choice of words from the viewpoint of advising people to fit standard , off the shelf, industrial straight hose.

I will go with a moulded, purpose designed hose any day.

"Alarms do nothing other tell you an ageing hose has popped it's clogs. "

As long as we are talking 'industrial' Can you tell me then why most new industrial' motorised equipment is armed to it's teeth with alarm systems and automatic shutdowns?.

ULRICH · Post by **ULRICH** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:07 pm

Hey guys dont get me wrong, the use of industrial hose is not for the faint hearted and certain types(Parker Polyflex) will bend to the shape of the original hose. All I am saying is that the quality and build of industrial hose is far superior to the aftermarket stuff and tolerances more stringently controlled.
Alarms are fitted to industrial kit as belt and braces and generally for safety reasons where failure in a lifting or really high pressure situation can prove fatal, or to prevent a knock on effect in the process.
Offcuts are ideal because they are cheap if not free, as they are too short to utilise industrially.
We use multi core umbilicals in our business running at 15000psi and water depths of 3 Kilometers carrying all sorts of corrosive and toxic mediums so I know that the kit is good.
Okay I maybe have better access to it than most, but it is certainly built with more stringent controls and a far superior product.
It is all a matter of choice and the skills you have at your disposal and the availability of industrial hose.
In my old VW a glance at the speedo also meant a cautious look at the temperature gauge, it had aftermarkets fitted by the previous owner which cost me an engine.
Sorry guys, but having been bitten once, I will be fitting quality hose to my newly aquired Bongo and I will be making the need for an alarm redundant by building in quality.
It is all down to choice.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:42 pm

So you fit your "super duper" stright hoses and set off on your annual holidays in the knowledge that you are bombproof in the old cooling system. 200 miles down the road the water pump/radiator/metal coolant pipe or whatever gives way. No alarm fitted. cooked engine.
What use are the "super duper" hoses now?? If you are going to make these statements ..please think it through..there is more to a cooling system than hoses.
I would be suprised if you could bend a stright hose into a shape to do the job of a Bongo top hose (rad to metal pipe)
Give me Flippa's anyday.

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