Low coolant advice

[creepyc]

My coolant is low (on the low marker on header tank) and I've been reading about flushing out the system, this could be quite tricky as I have no access to hot water via a hose, in time I'm sure I'll gain access but for now I need to continue running my Bongo.

I've bought some coolant to see me over, if I just top it up too the higher level would this be considered safe enough to see me over?

Looking in the header tank it looks pretty clean, no sign of any rust or starnge colours.

Thanks

[missfixit70]

How much have you been losing & over what time? first thing is to find where you are losing water from IMO.
If the level hasn't dropped below the bottom of the header, it should be ok just to top up as long as you know it's not Japanese spec coolant in there, mixing it with european stuff can cause sludging.
You don't need access to a warm water hose to flush the system, cold should do fine, worked ok for me.

[lizard]

If it gets too low, then there is a possability of air getting in.

[mikeonb4c]

My coolant is low (on the low marker on header tank) and I've been reading about flushing out the system, this could be quite tricky as I have no access to hot water via a hose, in time I'm sure I'll gain access but for now I need to continue running my Bongo.

I've bought some coolant to see me over, if I just top it up too the higher level would this be considered safe enough to see me over?

Looking in the header tank it looks pretty clean, no sign of any rust or starnge colours.

Thanks

The level varies depending on whether engine is cold or hot. Are you sure it has actually gone down or did you look at it once when the engine was hot and later when it was cold (if you get me).

I would add a little water (doesn't really need to be 50/50 mix for just one small top up) and then make sure you are actually losing coolant. If you are then, as Kirsty says, go after the cause. A low coolant alarm would allow you to put off the evil day I suppose by providing insurance, but if the leak suddenly got big you'd still be stranded.

Keep us posted. We're always curious about where these leaks are found to have been coming from.

Good luck

[lizard]

My coolant is low (on the low marker on header tank) and I've been reading about flushing out the system, this could be quite tricky as I have no access to hot water via a hose, in time I'm sure I'll gain access but for now I need to continue running my Bongo.

I've bought some coolant to see me over, if I just top it up too the higher level would this be considered safe enough to see me over?

Looking in the header tank it looks pretty clean, no sign of any rust or starnge colours.

Thanks

The level varies depending on whether engine is cold or hot. Are you sure it has actually gone down or did you look at it once when the engine was hot and later when it was cold (if you get me).

I would add a little water (doesn't really need to be 50/50 mix for just one small top up) and then make sure you are actually losing coolant. If you are then, as Kirsty says, go after the cause. A low coolant alarm would allow you to put off the evil day I suppose by providing insurance, but if the leak suddenly got big you'd still be stranded.

Keep us posted. We're always curious about where these leaks are found to have been coming from.

Good luck

I won't do any Welsh jokes.

[lindeelu]

Was that Welsh leeks or plugs?

[bigdaddycain]

Hi Creepy C, I'd remove the cap off the header (when the engine is stone cold), then start the engine up, return under the bonnet, and slowly add neat coolant till you are a fraction under the "full" mark. Replace the cap, and run up to temp, then re-check the level, and add a little more coolant if you need to.

Re-check the level again before the next "cold start", and keep a very close eye on the level, (i'd check daily at least) to monitor the amount of fluid loss, and time taken to lose said fluid.

There will be no bleeding or anything of that sort required for a top up that is still visible in the expansion tank. (unless you have an airlock already of course).

Run the front and rear heaters on hot when up to temp, if there is an airlock, you won't get a good solid heat from both heaters.

[You've Been Bongod]

wise words ste

[creepyc]

Cheers for all the tips.... I'm pretty sure theres no leak.
When the engine is warm the level rises up to the midway point.... When cold it's low.

Hopefully the weather will be on my side to get on the case this weekend and do a full drain as I've had the Bongo over a year and I've not changed the coolant...I've purchased 5 litres now so I might as well put it to good use!

[pilajake]

Did the same as you creepyC.
I checked my water when cold , level on midway.
Topped up to full when cold , took Bongo for a run , checked water level and could't see level well above full level
Now realised that depite checking before and after every journey for the past week, there was no obvious leak . I have now become quite paranoid about leaks and checking my water coolant levels.

[bigdaddycain]

I wouldn't become paranoid over leaks pilajake, but i do glance under the bongo for water trickles i must admit!