Coolant loss, sorry.

[sheepy]

Hi all, I know there are lots of pages on coolant loss but after reading many I havn't yet noticed the problem that I have.

Every month I loose about an inch or two of coolant from the header tank, I just simply top it up with neat coolant.

I can't find any leaks anywhere, I have checked all the pipes, water pump, radiator etc. The coolant isn't a mucky colour the exhaust isn't blowing funny colour smoke, there is no power loss, no fumes in the header tank, no funny noises gurgling etc.

Going to the french alps again this summer so the bongo is booked into the garage for service and investigation, I could'nt risk the long journey with this problem.

Has anybody else had such a problem with no obvious leaks and if so, what was the problem????

Thanks

[brorabongo]

One tip I read on here is to get the engine up to temperature, and then look for a leak. If you have a pin hole in one of your hoses it will only leak once hot, and could be spraying a fine mist, which is hard to detect. When the hose cools down, the pin hole contracts and seals

Worth a try.

Edit: Welcome to the forum sheepy

[sheepy]

Thanks, tried that, I even tried it at night with a high powered torch. I thought the torch beam would reflect on any mist being produced.

[crazy uncle gray g]

You sure your just not over filling it and then it would simply, heat up expand and throw out the excess water which the tank cannot hold

[sheepy]

You sure your just not over filling it and then it would simply, heat up expand and throw out the excess water which the tank cannot hold

No, I don't think it's that, I dont fill it past the max level and if I just leave it the header tank would go well below the min. ta for reply.

[Peg leg Pete]

You may have a very slight weep on a hose to metal pipe joint, I had one recently Hard to spot and no obvious drip

[brorabongo]

I forgot to add. I had a recent leak and it was from the head of the radiator which was plastic. It leaked from where the metal lugs fold over onto the plastic head rim. It was more of a seep than a leak, but it was enough for the level to drop. It was only noticed when I had the air intake (Blower) off to check the hoses underneath.

[coco bongo]

May be worth taking it to Allans vehicle services at wixenford, not too far away from you. Allan is a top bloke who knows his Bongos and being a member you will get some discount i think.

Look on the main Bf home page at the list of dealers, and you will find him.

[bigdaddycain]

You haven't been replacing the fluid in the windscreen washer bottle by mistake have you sheepy?

[sheepy]

Thanks Pete, I hope it is something as minor as that, I agree this would be hard to spot, there is no obvious water marking though. I havn't tried radweld (not a fan of the stuff) but if the garage dont notice anything I might just be tempted, it might sort that sort of tiny leak. How did you fix yours, did you replace the pipework?

[sheepy]

May be worth taking it to Allans vehicle services at wixenford, not too far away from you. Allan is a top bloke who knows his Bongos and being a member you will get some discount i think.

Look on the main Bf home page at the list of dealers, and you will find him.

Yep, this is where it is going, I understand he is very good.

[maxheadroom]

You haven't been replacing the fluid in the windscreen washer bottle by mistake have you sheepy?

BDC

[coco bongo]

May be worth taking it to Allans vehicle services at wixenford, not too far away from you. Allan is a top bloke who knows his Bongos and being a member you will get some discount i think.

Look on the main Bf home page at the list of dealers, and you will find him.

Yep, this is where it is going, I understand he is very good.

I met him in Plymouth and had a good old chat with him, nice bloke. His write up of his past experience sounds great, and a great service im sure your Bongo WILL get.

[sheepy]

You haven't been replacing the fluid in the windscreen washer bottle by mistake have you sheepy?

Ahhhhhhhh that might just be it.........


































.......NOT

[Peg leg Pete]

Welcome sheepy by the way I have jubilee clips on some hoses, in fact doubled up on some, I tweaked the one in question and that sorted it, you should check metal pipes for corrosion, our bongo was neglected before we got her, so poor coolant quality caused corrosion