LEAKS-UV DYE SHOWED NO HOSE LEAKS.

[TINCA TINCA]

Have been topping up header tank when Alarm peeps and flashes .... should not have to top up at all if all in order. Bought UV dye and had it checked out at our local garage. NO LEAKS found there. Worrying now as it might be INTERNAL. We were very unfortunate when we bought our BONGO, last August, as within TWO DAYS the head cracked whilst on holiday in Devon! Had to be rescued. Dismay and approximately £1200 later and one year down the line ALMOST TO THE DAY and we are having problems again. Have booked it in for a pressure test next week to eliminate any "normal" leaks that may be apparent. Has anybody else gone down this road (I am sure some of you unfortunate members have). Would really like some re-assurance that we are not back where we started a year ago. Has been mentioned that it might be the Turbo intercooler at fault. Piston trouble!?? Hope you knowledgeable members can maybe give a little hope from experience.
Cheers everyone.

[westonwarrior]

could also be water pump or other things

[TINCA TINCA]

Thanks for speedy reply. Have seen your many inputs on forum. Any idea what "other things" you are talking about please. All options would be greatly received.
Cheers.
Jim

[haydn callow]

Rob,,,,think the water pump would show up with the dye.

[westonwarrior]

I dunno I'm just guessing As I seam to remember a water pump going on mine and leaking internaly

Im probably wrong

[missfixit70]

Could be any one of the things you've mentioned, or it could be the head or gasket gone again, especially if cheaper parts were used, probably not what you want to hear, but if no external leaks are evident, then it's got to be the way to look. Have you had a sniffer test done to see if exhaust gases are present?
Don't expect too many replies too quickly, it's a sunny (Here anyway ) saturday in August, most people are off bongoing

[mobilecat]

have you checked its not a weak point on the lid or cap to the coolant tank. after pressure testing that was where mine was.

[andyh]

Well I was just about to post exactly the same problem!! - I haven't done the UV thing but I'm topping up a pint of water weekly so the water is going somewhere. As a complete novice to all things water related in bongos a simple list of things to check would be good... Whats a sniffer test Kirsty? Surely a head gasket would show other symptoms? Help!!

Any responses to this should go here - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... d=newposts

[missfixit70]

Pm sent Andy - best to start a new thread for your problems, you both stand a better chance of getting the appropriate response then to your problems as you are both at different stages in your diagnoses.

[TINCA TINCA]

Hi sorry for impatience....will learn to wait. Have fun all you sun loving bongos.

[mikeonb4c]

Could be any one of the things you've mentioned, or it could be the head or gasket gone again, especially if cheaper parts were used, probably not what you want to hear, but if no external leaks are evident, then it's got to be the way to look. Have you had a sniffer test done to see if exhaust gases are present?
Don't expect too many replies too quickly, it's a sunny (Here anyway ) saturday in August, most people are off bongoing

2nd that. Welcome jimbo44 and sorry its a welcome under cloudy skies. It is worth having a good old search and read as there is loads on coolant systems probs on here. I think a sniffer test is probably in order. Also, is the header tank cap OK and seated properly? No other immediate thoughts buts its late and I'm tired. Will come back if I think of owt else. Good luck and keep us posted. Mike

[Aunt Trumpet]

Mate, all is definitely not lost. I've had very similar problems of late...take a read of my post "HELP PLEASE.....ITS HAPPENED" (wish I knew how to link it), I looked for ages for leaks but could find nothing until I stumbled accross a weeping coming from the offside coolant rail that runs between the front and rear heater matrices. Up until that point we boiled the header tank no less than THREE times!!!

I was convinced the head gasket had gone but after a new rail and a proper bleed I don't appear to be using anymore water....there is light at the end of the tunnel. Don't despair just yet....