Coolant problem.

curlew · Post by **curlew** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:08 am

Ever since a scary overheating problem, we have been meticulous about checking the coolant levels in our Bongo every morning. We had a new radiator fitted a couple of weeks ago, and we had to top up the coolant a couple of times after that - we assumed that it was just the liquid "settling" and it was then fine for about a week. The, we had to put quite a lot in a couple of mornings. No problems with the temperature - bang on 11.00 all the time. Then we noticed that there was some liquid on the ground under the front of the van after it had been parked for a while. Not a lot - looking as if it was a slow drip. The last couple of days, the coolant hasn't needed topping up at all. Confused now. Could the drips be just condensation from the air conditioning? If so, where would it be? Our drips seem to be one right in the middle at the front, one in the middle but further back and one on the righ hand side half way back. The van's going back to the garage to have a coolant loss alarm fitted, but I'd like to have views on these drips before we go. Thanks all!

flippa · Post by **flippa** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:02 pm

Hi Curlew, i would take off the plastic undertray and take a proper look at it....it may not drip whilst cold so make sure your topped up and take it for a quick spin get it up to temp...come back and you should be able to see any drips .....this happened to me last year and it turned out to be the water pump a very slow trickle from behind the pulley......you may not see this without the underpan off as it tends to collect in it...it would also be worth checking all your hose connections are nice and tight ....id say well worth taking a look yourself before giving it to the garage...

good luck

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:04 pm

It sounds very much like there was still air in the system after the radiator was fitted. As the level now seems OK, it has probably "burped" itself out, but keep an eye on the levels. The gauge at 11 o'clock means very little - it is so heavily damped that it only seems to move when it's too late

Drips are probably from the aircon - you can tell because drips from the aircon are pure water.
Are you going to the Bongo Bash at Stourport? If so, Rooster and Haydn are doing a coolant alarm, fully fitted, at bargain prices - see http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 53&t=22266

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:12 pm

Have the garage pressure test the cooling system - that'll seek out leaks and can also detect if the head gasket is intact.

curlew · Post by **curlew** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:34 pm

It's just been serviced - and the head gasket is fine. We thought it had gone a while ago but turned out to be something else.

Getting a warning system fitted next week!

How many puddles do your air cons make?

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:48 pm

2 puddles curlew, if you system has front and rear aircon.

It may have been serviced but was the system PRESSURE TESTED?

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:01 pm

Middle front !....half way back on the right (offside)....Air con for me

curlew · Post by **curlew** » Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:15 pm

Yes, it was pressure tested because we thought there was a problem - turned out there wasn't.

Coolant problem.

Coolant problem.

Re: Coolant problem.

Re: Coolant problem.

Re: Coolant problem.

Re: Coolant problem.

Re: Coolant problem.

Re: Coolant problem.

Re: Coolant problem.