We've bought our first Bongo! Now the questions begin!!

[missfixit70]

Have been looking at Haydn's site. Was looking at either ESTC/Combo or Low Coolant Alarm/TM-2 Combined, not sure which way to go, sounds like they do the same thing?

Thanks for the reply about the split charge relay, but I think that's all there? The interior lights work off the leisure battery, just not the blinds?

If you just want to change the blinds over from an existing set up, you need a couple of fused supplies (15a) from the LB to the fuse box, remove fuse 6 & 7 (fuse diagram in club members area factsheets) & using small connectors (you may have to modify a couple) slot the LB supply into the lower connection on the fuse holders - simplez Easy to return to normal then too if you so require

With regard to the 2 alarm combo's, the TM2 gives a digital readout, which for an extra £15 I reckon is a better set up if there's a choice, plus I think there's the option to connect to oil pressure? the ESTC is similar in operation to the Mason, but with its own temp probe that can be put in whichever location is deemed the best. Depends whether you want an alarm to shout when there's a (potential) problem, or if you want to actually know what's going on.

[missfixit70]

Forget the Mason alarm (sorry DBO - I'm a biased)
If you can afford it, Fit the TM-2 its brilliant. (and paint the Mazda temperature gauge black cos its useless.)

I agree ,but if cost comes into it ,£72 for a TM-1 and £27 for a mason is a bit cheaper than £180 for a TM-2.

I think its generally accepted that the Mazda temperature gauge is a pile of crap, so what do you get when you paint the pile of crap pink? answer: a pink pile of crap. -------------PAINT IT BLACK

Remind me, how much does a cylinder head cost?

Are you actually aware what the Mason alarm does? It resensitises the standard (pile of crap ) temp gauge to act as it should & provide a settable alarm as well, a great bit of kit - easy to fit, cheap & uses what's there. If you haven't tried it - don't diss it While the TM2 is a great bit of kit (I may upgrade at some point ), it's more expensive & it isn't measuring the coolant temp directly as the standard guage does ( I think), which may or may not be a good/bad thing there are arguments for & against & where is the best point to measure etc, which has been gone over endlessly in past threads

[mtbkim]

Thanks again, this forum is such a wealth of knowledge!!

[widdowson2008]

Kirsty
You're right, I shouldn't slag the Masson (totally out of order - please accept my appologies ).
However, if I ever buy another Bongo and am faced with the choice between the same 2 pieces of kit, I'm afraid I would do exactly the same - and this I don't apologise for. The TM-2 just seems a better piece of gear.
If I had to have a bitch about the TM-2, it would be that the digital display isn't bright enough. HAYDN
You are also correct about the TM-2's capability to be connected to the oil pressure in some way. I haven't wired this side personally........ YET.
Like you said, it all comes down to a matter of personal choice. I chose the TM-2. I chose 'pink' earlier to describe the Mazda temp.gauge, but you could use any colour, and the argument is still valid (underneath)

[Doone]

It's just coming up to 60k miles & therefore I assume a cambelt change is due? The current owner's not sure if it was changed when imported & converted (I know a lot of importers advertise that they do this?), but is there any thing to look for to be able to tell if it has been done?

Not really, not unless you take the covers off and look at the belt, but that's part of the work involved in actually replacing the belt.

Also, the aircon didn't seem to be very cold, is it likely that it just needs a service

It could need servicing (or topping up). If that doesn't sort it, further investigation will be needed, this link may help.

[New Forest Terrier]

Do you know who was the importer and who did the conversion?

If it is one of the main ones they should have a record of what was done, including if the cambelt was changed. If you cannot confirm this better safe than sorry.