Coolant

[haydn callow]

Mike....I got a BIG funnel and cut the spout so I could "just" force the bleed tube up inside. This was a good seal so coolant didn't leak. I attached a bit of stiff wire to the rim of the funnel in a loop and if you look under the seat there is a metal "flap" sticking out you can hang it on whilst you do the tank at the front. None of the "glugs" caused coolant to be spilt/splattered.
This really is a easy one man job. As I always keep on..The single most important thing is to get the bottom hose hot. If you don't then there will surely be air left inside. I did this method at least 6 times developing the alarm and I KNOW it works.
I think where people fail, is expecting to do the job in 10 mins. From adding cold coolant to "job done" allow 30/40 mins.

[mikeonb4c]

Mike....I got a BIG funnel and cut the spout so I could "just" force the bleed tube up inside. This was a good seal so coolant didn't leak. I attached a bit of stiff wire to the rim of the funnel in a loop and if you look under the seat there is a metal "flap" sticking out you can hang it on whilst you do the tank at the front. None of the "glugs" caused coolant to be spilt/splattered.
This really is a easy one man job. As I always keep on..The single most important thing is to get the bottom hose hot. If you don't then there will surely be air left inside. I did this method at least 6 times developing the alarm and I KNOW it works.
I think where people fail, is expecting to do the job in 10 mins. From adding cold coolant to "job done" allow 30/40 mins.

Excellent Haydn and thanks+++

Yup, I don't rush jobs. Prefer to enjoy them plus it keeps me out the house (nuff said!!)

[Bob]

Points well made, as I've said before how often does the Bongo get the blame for overheating, and then as we read the whole thread we find lines like, "It had been leaking for a few weeks"' or "I knew it was running hot but thought I would limp home", and "I'd bled it a bit", and on and on...

PLEASE - If there is a problem stop and get it sorted.

[iggypop]

Points well made, as I've said before how often does the Bongo get the blame for overheating, and then as we read the whole thread we find lines like, "It had been leaking for a few weeks"' or "I knew it was running hot but thought I would limp home", and "I'd bled it a bit", and on and on...

PLEASE - If there is a problem stop and get it sorted.

I have had no overheating probs in 4 years , and still had not, but i thought the coolant was due for a change, but found the fact sheet very complicated, confusing and long winded. Ian

[haydn callow]

iggypop.....Are you now happy about the bleeding of your Bongo?
Any problems PM me and I will give you a ring.

[iggypop]

iggypop.....Are you now happy about the bleeding of your Bongo?
Any problems PM me and I will give you a ring.

I am going to try the funnel method tonite after work, did not have time yesterday. If i have any probs i will contact you. Thanks alot for your help Ian.

Have now rebled using your method took for a run bottom pipe hot . Thanks for all your help, and every one else . I did have some steam coming off the rad, but i think it was all the water i tipped over it when i filled it. The only thing is the exp bottle has got too much coolant in, is thet a prob. Thanks again Ian.

[Doone]

The venting of air from the system is the important part. Is it worth mentioning that some bleed pipes are shorter than they should be? Some have been cut (usually where they've split in the past), which would make the bleed process a bit trickier.

[dandywarhol]

Points well made, as I've said before how often does the Bongo get the blame for overheating, and then as we read the whole thread we find lines like, "It had been leaking for a few weeks"' or "I knew it was running hot but thought I would limp home", and "I'd bled it a bit", and on and on...

PLEASE - If there is a problem stop and get it sorted.

I have had no overheating probs in 4 years , and still had not, but i thought the coolant was due for a change, but found the fact sheet very complicated, confusing and long winded. Ian

I suggest the factsheet is ammended to read;

"The bleed hose can be found under the passenger seat
*Set the hose in a downward position higher than the coolant level in the expansion tank" etc.....................

This is what the Factory manual is showing when the picture of the bleed hose is hanging from the steering wheel, otherwise the colant will just syphon out to the expansion tank until it's found it's level at the hose. But if you set the bleed hose LOWER than anywhere else in the system an airlock could occur.

I've bled several systems EXACTLY by the book and had no problems - the whole procedure can be over in about 20 mins.

[iggypop]

iggypop.....Are you now happy about the bleeding of your Bongo?
Any problems PM me and I will give you a ring.

Have now rebled using your method took for a run bottom pipe hot . Thanks for all your help, and every one else . I did have some steam coming off the rad, but i think it was all the water i tipped over it when i filled it. The only thing is the exp bottle has got too much coolant in, is thet a prob. Thanks again Ian.

[Simon Jones]

Glad its progressing well. I've got the coolant up to the level of the seam/join on the expansion tank & it doesn't cause any issues. I wouldn't run it too much higher or you wont have much room for the coolant to expand into & that would increase the pressure slightly.