Anti Freeze and other Winter Requirements

[leelister]

Hi

I have just bought a bongo 2.5 Petrol new model 1999. It was imported last year but not used much before I bought it. It has not been serviced in this country - although I have put a new cam belt in it. I am not sure if it has anti freeze in it - but sadly as a complete numb nut with mechanical stuff ( I like to think of myself as a brainiac!) I am not sure how to check or even where what ever it goes into is! Is there anything else I sure do now that the very cold weather is upon us?

Be gentle with your replies please - I am a nice lady really.

Lee

[spout]

Hi Lee,

welcome to the site.

If you use the search function on these forums you'll find a plethora of info relating to the Bongos coolant system. And what can go wrong with it.

My recommendation would be to take your Bongo to a garage who knows the Bongo system. If you give your location, members on here will be able to direct you to the nearest clued up garage.

Good luck............

[mikeonb4c]

Welcome Lee and hope you are enjoying the Bongo. I would be surprised if it didn't have anti-freeze in it, but never assume anything. You want anti-freeze in it not just as protection against freezing but as a corrosion inhibitor, so get someone to check it for you. I also think it is a very good idea to fit a low coolant warning alarm just in case you get a coolant leak that leads to overheating. A 1999 model has probably still got hoses that are in good condition so the risk ought to be low, but the older Bongos have a higher risk. The over-riding consideration though is what the cost could be if an engine overheats. For the sake of a small investment you can be all but free of the worry.

But most importantly, I hope you have lots of fun with one of these outstanding vehicles

Mike

[bigdaddycain]

Welcome to the forum lee, if you pop the bonnet, (lever near drivers knee) You will see the white bottle to the upper right hand side of the under bonnet compartment, this is where the coolant/water is. Whilst the engine is cold, undo the cap, and take a look inside the bottle, you are looking for water with quite a high concentration of colour to it. The colour can vary depending on what brand of coolant has been used in your vehicle, mine for example is red, yours may be green or blue. Immediate attention is required if the water is clear or brown, or worse still, if there is no water evident!

Please remember to swill any spilt coolant away if you have animals, coolant/anti-freeze is sweet, and cats and dogs love it!

[Simon Jones]

Hi Lee,
If you use the search function on these forums you'll find a plethora of info relating to the Bongos coolant system. And what can go wrong with it.

Lee, welcome to Bongo ownership. Don't panic too much - the majority of the coolant problems documented on the forum relate to diesel engine rather the petrol. The points about good preventative maintenance & regular checking of the level & condition of the anti freeze are of course relevant to all vehicles.

[lindeelu]

"Please remember to swill any spilt coolant away if you have animals, coolant/anti-freeze is sweet, and cats and dogs love it!"

Bigdaddycain makes a very valid point here.

Ethylene Glycol is deadly poisonous and is fatal in quite small amounts, but has a sweet and attractive taste.
So as well as a bright colour a bittering agent is added to stop it being drunk by accident-especially by those who are unaware, such as animals or children ( Source, LRM)

Lindeelu

[mister munkey]

It has not been serviced in this country. I am not sure if it has anti freeze in it -

If thats the case, it'll need changing anyway. Jap antifreeze isn't compatible with our european stuff. It will need someone with some noddle on the bleeding process to get it done correctly, otherwise . . .

[leelister]

Thank you all - Ipswich is where I come from. I'll take a look and see if I have any antifreeze in there and get it drained and replaced as I am pretty certain it is Japanese! I'll watch my cats - which have been in the Bongo a few times and will be coming camping with me when it gets warmer.

No I don't want to buy a coolant alarm at the moment thanks - got to get thru Christmas first! So thanks for the message as well.

If any one knows a Bongo friendly garage near Ipswich Suffolk or near Seaford Sussex (where my boyfriend lives) it would be very useful.

Hope to meet some of you at the next rally in the new year.

Lee

[mister munkey]

Try Outback in Kings Lynn 01485 520007 or D&D in Thetford 01842 750228. They seem to know their onions in the coolant department.

Best of luck, see you at a bash!!