Head gasket gone on a bongo....

freshprince · Post by **freshprince** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:20 pm

Righto chaps,

I don't know a great deal about BONGOs, but what I do know is the head gasket looks like it has gone on the one we are looking at buying. (Normally I'd walk away instantly, but the seller is a good friend and now i'm trying to help him out)

First question, how much would be a reasonable cost to replace it and replace the head if necessary?

Second, is there anyone on here who does these repairs?

Third, what other issues could there be?

I'm in the Reading / Wokingham area and basically don't want to get royally stuffed.

Cheers

cabte · Post by **cabte** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:24 pm

You got to be carefull even though he is a mate you dont know what damage the head has done.
It needs to be looked at first before you make a comitment,
Also make sure you take it to a reptble dealer who knows there bongos inside and out ..

freshprince · Post by **freshprince** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:26 pm

I agree, he's sent it off to a Bongo 'specialist' apparently, however I'm always dubious of that word. (It normally means £££££ in my eyes)

We've discussed that it needs to be properly stripped down and all damage to the head etc needs to be looked at.

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:29 pm

Short answer. Around £400 for a knowledgeable spannerman to do the job properly. While the head is off get it pressure tested for cracks. (£50ish) If a new head is needed you're looking at £1100+

Also consider what caused the problem in the first place. More than likely an overheating issue. Could be a waterpump, split hose, blocked up radiator . . . . could be quite a list.

If its safely drivable, get it down to Discount trucks in Newbury for a proper diagnostic. They know they're onions & could save you a lot of time & money.

freshprince · Post by **freshprince** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:33 pm

mister munkey wrote:Short answer. Around £400 for a knowledgeable spannerman to do the job properly. While the head is off get it pressure tested for cracks. (£50ish) If a new head is needed you're looking at £1100+

Also consider what caused the problem in the first place. More than likely an overheating issue. Could be a waterpump, split hose, blocked up radiator . . . . could be quite a list.

If its safely drivable, get it down to Discount trucks in Newbury for a proper diagnostic. They know they're onions & could save you a lot of time & money.

That's sort of what I was expecting....
Are we talking proper garage job... as opposed to cash in hand on the side for that price?
If so... I think my friend may be being ripped off...

told £900 if no damage to the head has been caused and easily double that if it has...

hectordog · Post by **hectordog** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:14 pm

There is a "Bongo Specialist" called Discount Tucks down near you isn't there ?
Gets some good reports on here.
I would go track him down for an opinion/ quote/ whatever.

freshprince · Post by **freshprince** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:17 pm

also... is this an engine out job?

Cheers

mister munkey · Post by **mister munkey** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:22 pm

Nope. Mine was done in a day.

francophile1947 · Post by **francophile1947** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:23 pm

freshprince wrote:also... is this an engine out job?

Cheers

No, but the quote your friend has got is excessive

freshprince · Post by **freshprince** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:24 pm

ahhhh... thanks guys

Post by **westonwarrior** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:37 pm

Your best bet is to ring a few of the garages that advertise on this site and ask them how much they charge.
and going to a "cheaper" garage that does not know bongos may cost more in the long run.

freshprince · Post by **freshprince** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 8:51 pm

Very good point,

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 9:17 pm

How about discussing (with us if you like) what the car might be worth if it didn't have the head problem. Once sorted on that, I suppose you could say I'll pay you that price minus what it costs to get the head (and any underlying cause like blocked radiator, thermostat etc.). Get it done by a reputable Bongo garage like Discount Trucks though. One thing you musn't skimp on is buying a quality head and not one of the cheap copies we've heard about on ebay. Good luck - keep us posted

freshprince · Post by **freshprince** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:24 pm

anyone on here done it themselves? As I'm considering that route??
Is it a tough job?

What is involved?

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:41 pm

freshprince wrote:anyone on here done it themselves? As I'm considering that route??
Is it a tough job?

What is involved?

Simon Jones has and is the expert on this. Have a search for his postings as well as others as I think he gave a blow by blow account

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