Dreaded hose leak

[Trjegul]

Oh well best to get it over with asap, I suppose-the inevitable coolant leak that is!

On a very short run today and next I know the Mason Alarm pootles. Pulled over straight away and peered under- no steam, no obvious water loss. Fans kicked in and the temp dropped enough to do the last mile home.

Got the seats up and while there was nothing on the drivers side, evidence of blown coolant under the passenger side-gah! Really close peer and looks like the bleed hose has perished near the head, just after the clip. Gently squeezing the pipe shows 2 or 3 pinprick holes. Really hadn't spotted the state of that pipe- a bit crunchy...and I check the coolant level very regularly. Have given the rest of the hoses a very close inspection now.

I park up on a slope, but the expansion tank (checked with one of Haydn's sticks) is dry- may be a bit in the lower part but can't see in it. Hoping that it is just the pipe and that nothing like water pump or radiator caused the pipe to go under pressure or something.

Best I can think now is to get transported to nearest Bongo Friendly garage (now I wish I had homestart!)to get the coolant flushed/replaced and pipe replaced, along with a check that nothing else untoward contributed to this. Only just had a full service a couple of weeks ago, so have to get the wallet out again.

At least it happened on a short run. Its not been the easiest of years, and the Freda was our bit of brightness while my Dad was dying (he gave us some money to buy it when he knew how bad things were for him- like a parting gift, really). Just want to get it sorted out for for our holiday in July- we really have earnt a break.

Zin and Sarah

[westonwarrior]

I would get a replacement hose and bleed the system. the fact sheet has the details and as long as you get it good and hot its not that scary.

If your not sure then yes get a good bongo garage to look at it. if my geography is up to scratch discount trucks seam to get recomended on here

[mikeonb4c]

Know how you feel. I was only able to get my Bongo as my Mum left us a litle bit when she died (but I'd much rather have had her here). She'd have absolutely loved the Bongo and all we've been able to do since getting it and I like to think she's looking down and smiling.

Stick with it, invest as much as your pocket can manage. All cars throw bills and the Bongo is no exception. Doesn't sound like any damage has been done. The difference is the Bongo (just like your Dad wished) will do things for your life that an ordinary car won't. That's how I see it anyway.

If you've not got a low coolant alarm fitted then I'd fit one now. To borrow a line from Top Gun:

"You drive Bongos long enough, this kind of thing's bound to happen. But there will be others - you can count on it."

[Trjegul]

Thanks guys

We have a pick-up organised for tomorrow. Just to add to things, we seem to have an oil leak dripping on the drive- clear oil. Had an advisory on service, but it didn't drip before that was done. Wondering if the overheat has done it? Sounds nastily like a head job?

Hey ho

[mikeonb4c]

Thanks guys

We have a pick-up organised for tomorrow. Just to add to things, we seem to have an oil leak dripping on the drive- clear oil. Had an advisory on service, but it didn't drip before that was done. Wondering if the overheat has done it? Sounds nastily like a head job?

Hey ho

Again - don't panic before you need to. Are you sure it isn't diesel from the injector pump? How much of a drip is it?

[missfixit70]

Could be steering rack - top pinion seal?

[Trjegul]

Very much a steady drip when I last looked earlier-looks to be coming from the passenger side along the edge of the block, lower than the rocker gasket line. Van is nose up on the drive and angled due to slope to the passenger side.

Smells like oil as opposed to diesel, and I didn't seem to be having any diesel leak type problems (stuttering/smoke/bad starts). I think the fuel pump is under the driver side, but I might be wrong.

Just have to see what we can suss out at the garage tomorrow I guess-thanks guys you have given me some other possibles to present!

Really am hoping that it can all get sorted out and I can enjoy driving this without more going wrong!

[mikeonb4c]

Oil filter is on passenger side (diesel injector is on drivers side) and is a possible cause of leak. You need to lift the engine cover and check things out if not already done. I've not heard of the leaking of oil in that way being linked to a damaged head without other symptoms being present so fingers crossed

[Bored Lizard]

Check tightness of oil fillter, ours developed a slight oil leek which got steadily worse, was dreading the cause but turns out the oil filter had worked its way loose.
Was talking to Allan of Allans Vehicle services today and this is apparantly a common problem.
Simple re tighten and all was OK, just got to get the black marks off of the tail gate now.

Cheers
Mark

[Trjegul]

Cheers guys -if it is just oil filter I would be a happy bun!

Funny, thought I saw oil filter on driver side...Still a kosher low loader picked up Trjegul today and she is going to be looked at.

If anyone gets a Bongo/Freda my first advice would be (but what do I know?) look at the hoses, gently squeeze them if they feel old, hard or weep, get them sorted!! Oh and check your coolant lots and/or fit Haydns LCA and a Mason (or TM2). This is just a personal experience.

It scares the "doos" out of you when it happens, and coolant loss is not always visible. I was being followed by Sarah in her car on a short trip and neither of us saw anything happen.

Just crossing fingies and all else that we are back on the road soon.

[Trjegul]

Contrary to my earlier post, the leak of oil (as I think) was on the driver side not passenger- a combination of work, family and vehicle issues are conspiring against me! Thus, can't be oil filter, but if it was diesel escaping, could be pump related. Whatever it was there was a fair bit of it at the front of the block spreading back and then dropping on the drive. My assumption was that it was the minor oil leak worsening, but now all I can do is await garage's diagnosis. They are on the list, and do seem very aware of Bongo issues and I do have confidence in them- they were spot on on getting a flat bed out to get the van to the garage, and even though they are short staffed at present, went the "extra mile" to get the van there as quickly as poss.

Thanx again for all the advice and support!

[mikeonb4c]

Contrary to my earlier post, the leak of oil (as I think) was on the driver side not passenger- a combination of work, family and vehicle issues are conspiring against me! Thus, can't be oil filter, but if it was diesel escaping, could be pump related. Whatever it was there was a fair bit of it at the front of the block spreading back and then dropping on the drive. My assumption was that it was the minor oil leak worsening, but now all I can do is await garage's diagnosis. They are on the list, and do seem very aware of Bongo issues and I do have confidence in them- they were spot on on getting a flat bed out to get the van to the garage, and even though they are short staffed at present, went the "extra mile" to get the van there as quickly as poss.

Thanx again for all the advice and support!

Fingers crossed for you

[westonwarrior]

It could be the o rings in the diesel pump fiddely but not too bad to get done

[Trjegul]

It could be the o rings in the diesel pump fiddely but not too bad to get done

Thinking about it it does sound quite possible. Maybe I was expecting 2 faults at the same time to be connected- might just be coincidence.

Should have really tried a closer exam of the stuff leaking-couldn't smell diesel but maybe it was.

[Trjegul]

Back on the road, due to the kind attentions of the guys at Car Specialists in Piddington who were quick and really helpful-they do know their Bongos!

New hose, flush and fresh coolant and we are running much cooler on the temperature. The other "leak" would appear to be due to blown coolant running down and carrying excess oil with it. No big oil leak and no diesel leak-phew!