Coolant leak behind the starter motor

[dobby]

My bongo has sprung a leak, there's a pretty steady trickle of coolant running down the block from behind the starter motor. Does anyone have any idea where it may be leaking from? Fortunately the coolant alarm saved the day (THANKS Haydn!)

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[haydn callow]

There is a pipe that leaves the engine and goes to the rear heater...often goes....just replace it...easy job....

[dobby]

Cheers, would it be hard to see that pipe with the starter etc in place.

[haydn callow]

No..it runs across the top of the starter..... just be carefou you don't brake the metak pipe that it goes onto at the engine end...these in fact can corrode away so make sure it is solid...the stub pipe can be replaced if it's at all dodgey...probably the hose though.

[lizard]

No..it runs across the top of the starter..... just be carefou you don't brake the metak pipe that it goes onto at the engine end...these in fact can corrode away so make sure it is solid...the stub pipe can be replaced if it's at all dodgey...probably the hose though.

Hi there, when my hose went, it was the metal pipe as well. Allans plymouth made one up for me, a nice stainless one, great fellows.

[dobby]

Thanks chaps, trouble is I've just had a look at it and seen the pipe described but it's as dry as a bone. Whilst below the starter its wet

[Peg leg Pete]

If it is a pinprick leak it will not show up as easily

[dobby]

Hiya Pete

I thought that but there was a load of water running out from under the engine and nothing anywhere near that pipe.

Worried now that the coolant loss is too great to risk a top up and run of the engine without a full bleed on a leaking system.

[Peg leg Pete]

I would not run your bongo again till you have sorted the leak, checked all your hoses and bled the system.

[dobby]

I agree, It's a weird spot for a leak - it runs down behind the starter motor. The core plugs look ok and there's no sign of any water above the start motor (on the block, pipe stub etc). Next trick is to have a go tomorrow and then if that fails track down a bongo friendly garage near me.

[dobby]

Had another look at it this morning, all the core plugs are dry and the hose above the starter motor is ok. However, there's water and coolant inside gearbox bell housing and when I pulled the bung out the bottom of the housing coolant flooded out.

What is it that could leak and fill the bell housing?

Any ideas?

[teenmal]

hi dobby.
have you checked h the core plug at the rear of the cylinder head.

Cheers Malc..

[dobby]

Thanks Malc

It was Dry

Odd thing is the water is inside the gearbox housing as when you take the bung out at the bottom there's coolant in there. I wouldn't think there's a hidden core plug behind a bell housing on the block. Also, I cannot see anyway that water can get in from the top. I spoke to Michael at wheelquick who was most helpful and suggested I check the metal pipes above the 'box but they are much further back.

I think I'll book it into the garage in Market Drayton that's been recommended.

[missfixit70]

Have a good poke around the drawing at lush projects - http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsm ... Atr.html#6 may help

[dobby]

Thanks Kirsty

I've had a good nose around on there already and all the schematics face forward - there's no rear elevation of the back of the block but I'll keep on looking

Very worried now