paranoid about coolant

[ribbleman]

Hi All, I have had my bongo since last april have had great time with it, when i got it i checked all levels the coolant was 10mm above seam its now on full mark, levels are checked weekly coolant colour is green have new cap on tank, no leaks detected just hoping level stays where it is! i am first reg owner. was it over filled?
steve

[westonwarrior]

maybe
only time will tell just keep checking it if it steadily goes down look further

[Harry]

Don't worry....level can vry according to whether the engine is still warm or if it was been standing for a day....that's why its called an expansion tank.

Level should be checked with engine cold.

Don't woory about it running a bit warm now and again...as long as it has been bled fully when the coolant was last changed.

If the temp guage goes above half way just pull over and stop the engine,,then turn the ignition key two clicks and if the engine is too hot then the engine cooling/scavenger fans will kick in. when they have stopped you can then recheck the coolant levels.

As a word of reassurance I've now 'overheated' mine on six occasions due to coolant loss but by shutting down as soon as I noticed a rise in temp or the smell of hot water/steam I havn't, so far, suffered any major engine damage....I've now got over 238,000kn on the clock (thats 150,000km in three years ownership). The engines are TOUGH as long as they arn't abused and they seem to thrive on hard work.

If in doubt invest in a coolant alarm. In the majority of cases it will give you a warning if your coolant drops below acceptable levels.

good luck...and try to get along to a North West meet where you can discuss your concerns with some of us more experienced bongonaughts.

cheers

H

[aitch]

worth fitting a coolant alarm (just to be on the safe side) but if checked regularly should be ok but many on here have fitted an alarm to give advanced warning of any leakage.