Coolant Leak?

neilf104 · Post by **neilf104** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:18 pm

Hi,

Noticed when I got back into the bongo after going to the shops today that there was a small pool of water underneath. Never had this before so this afternoon I removed the engine cover and it appears that after the engine has been turned off I've got a dripping leak of what seems to be coolant. Doesn't drip when it's ticking over. It's dripping over the rim of the oil sump directly underneath the cam belt (which I've recently had changed). Seems to drip for about 20 mins or so. Never had any overheating problems so wondered if anyone had any idea of the source/cause of this leak. It's not a massive amount, but enough that I noticed it! I don't appear to have lost much coolant from the reservoir.

Also, I noticed that one of the nuts around the edge of the oil sump appears to have been sheared off at some stage. It's not leaking and the full thread is in place. I presume this won't be a problem unless I need a new one?!

Be very grateful of any help or advice. Was supposed to be going to North Devon tomorrow but leaking coolant will put a stop to that I think!

Cheers
Neil

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:23 pm

Did you have the air con running before you parked up?

neilf104 · Post by **neilf104** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:34 pm

Hi,

No I didn't. This is distinctly more than the usual air-con 'run-off' I'm afraid. Just checked my coolant level & looks like it has dropped a little. Grovelling around underneath with a torch but can't find any leaks in hoses or wet patches where it may have run down. Bloody baffled I am!

Neil

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Thu May 28, 2009 7:43 pm

Is it from the front of the engine? - sounds like water pump.

neilf104 · Post by **neilf104** » Thu May 28, 2009 8:08 pm

John,

Not sure. The only place through look & feel I can find any fluid is where it is dripping over the rim of the oil sump. Can't find anything above, below or around this spot. it's right underneath the cambelt. Any more ideas?

Thanks
Neil

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Thu May 28, 2009 9:07 pm

Water pump is my bet

Lloydy · Post by **Lloydy** » Thu May 28, 2009 9:41 pm

A random thought...

I know you say its probably coolant but have you considered the dripping injector pump issue?

Just a shot in the dark as i had a similar drip which was related to this!

Lloydy

neilf104 · Post by **neilf104** » Thu May 28, 2009 10:23 pm

Lloydy,

Yes it's definitely coolant, still trying to get the smell of it off my hand! Think I'll just go to my local garage tomorrow. Lucky it's only half a dozen doors up from me, and they are very good. The owners son who also works there has a VW Kombi & has had a Bongo in the past so he usually looks after it for me. Just had all the belts done so looks like more expense!

Thanks for the tip.
Neil

hectordog · Post by **hectordog** » Thu May 28, 2009 10:37 pm

I make puddles under cars too, sometimes given the chance.
I don't overheat very much though, and I will never need a new head.

at least I hope not.

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Thu May 28, 2009 11:52 pm

hectordog wrote:I make puddles under cars too, sometimes given the chance.
I don't overheat very much though, and I will never need a new head.
at least I hope not.

I have some tin snips here that will stop you doing it and calm you down....................

neilf104 · Post by **neilf104** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:42 am

Oh Dear,

Large patch of coolant on the drive this morning, and reservoir levels down form max to min. Not good me thinks. Taking it to the garage this afternoon so fingers crossed. Bang goes the four days of sun & surf in Devon!

Cheers
Neil

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:53 am

Keep topping it up till fixed....dont let the level drop as far as the small outlet hoses at the bottom of the tank....(air will get in if this happens)

neilf104 · Post by **neilf104** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:00 pm

Went to the garage today and the diagnosis was water pump. Could have been a lot worse I think. Thanks for all the help & advice.

Neil

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Fri May 29, 2009 8:52 pm

Please....make sure the garage you take it to have bled BONGO cooling systems before...If they haven't done it before but say "course we can do it" beware. You can download a factsheet and then ask them how they intend to do it.

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Fri May 29, 2009 10:50 pm

haydn callow wrote:Please....make sure the garage you take it to have bled BONGO cooling systems before...If they haven't done it before but say "course we can do it" beware. You can download a factsheet and then ask them how they intend to do it.

I agree with Haydn, don't let them near it until you are shure they understand the problems bleeding the Bongo.
The problem you have is easy to repair, the problem it will cause if not bled properly can be massive. A repair bill of £1500 to £2000 is not unusual for getting it wrong.

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