More head gasket woes…

quinnw · Post by **quinnw** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:50 pm

I believe my head gasket is cracked.

Few questions:

1) Anybody know a good mechanic in / near Bristol? Yes aware of Bongo Friendly list – but looking for recommendations.
2) How much is this going to hurt? Any ideas??
3) I am asking the dealer for a refund as this Bongo is not of satisfactory quality – second time off the road in 9 months with same problem. Are Bongos this bad? Or should I consider a different vehical?

As usual.

Thanks.

Post by **westonwarrior** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 4:28 pm

Bell hill will get the job done but will not be cheap

The thing is if this is your second head gasket in a few months there must be a reason and you need to get that sorted or it will happen again.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 6:39 pm

You should pursue the dealer with firmness and politeness quinnw. As you say, 2nd time same problem in 9 months of ownership is not really acceptable though you'll need evidence it is a problem the Bongo had before you bought it . Good luck - keep us posted

quinnw · Post by **quinnw** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:23 pm

At this moment in time I do not want to comment further due to pending legal action.

When we say expensive how much: £ 10, £ 50, £ 500, £ 1000, £ 2000, £ 10000????

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 7:24 pm

£500-£1000 to sort it properly I'd say

Post by **Ian** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:00 pm

About £800 fitted I reckon.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:28 pm

Ian wrote:About £800 fitted I reckon.

Plus maybe some more to tackle whatever caused it. The £800 would need to include a new head as maybe it is cracked and that is why the gasket has gone twice, and maybe it needs new radiator and/or thermostat. As an apology, the dealer could fit a low coolant alarm for you (pigs might fly but...)

coco bongo · Post by **coco bongo** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:39 pm

£800- £1100 all in you are looking at, So sorry to hear of your troubles.

Mine went just before xmas, and mine was about £800 by the time i finished.
Now have the low coolant alarm for peace of mind also. I know its a tough one but after it's all done it will be fine.

Please consider fitting a low coolant alarm to know of any other coolant losses.
All the best
Darren.

missfixit70 · Post by **missfixit70** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:55 pm

If it's the second overheat, sounds like the original problem that caused the overheat may not have been diagnosed/repaired correctly, or that the head hadn't been tested & had in fact cracked after the first incident?, good luck sorting it out.
Only you can decide whether you still have faith in a bongo, it's so demoralising when a vehicle keeps letting you down

coco bongo · Post by **coco bongo** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:17 pm

Did the garage flow test the rad?, and did they chuck in a new thermostat?.

what was the full symptoms of the overheat, Have you had white smoke, coolant being thrown out through the breather pipe, smelt exhaust gases in the tank, coolant in the oil.

My head had been off at some point before i got it, and from what i was told the head didn't get skimmed!!. Blimmin annoying when a garage dont do it properly.

All the best with finding the garage, and keep us posted.

quinnw · Post by **quinnw** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:35 am

At this moment in time I won't be discussing detail. When the dusts settles - I'll give you more details.

Thanks opinion concurs with my own.