Bongo overheating issue....

[sniperFM]

Hi,
I have a 1995 bongo 2.5TD 4X4 (manual). It has a digital alarm to warn when the temp. gets too high as i know bongos overheat easily. The other day the alarm sounded and the temp went up to about 117 on the read-out, I stopped as soon as i could!!!! I also notice the coolant pours out of the overflow pipe on the coolant top-up bottle on the right side of the engine!...even from cold...more worrying is now, white smoke is coming from the exhaust! (dreaded head gasket!!!)

Anyone had the gasket replaced if so, how much was it?

i don't know if this is the case with mine but it is going to a bongo mechanic tomorrow to diagnose.

Thanks guys!

Kev.

[mikeonb4c]

Hi,
I have a 1995 bongo 2.5TD 4X4 (manual). It has a digital alarm to warn when the temp. gets too high as i know bongos overheat easily. The other day the alarm sounded and the temp went up to about 117 on the read-out, I stoopped as soon as i could!!!! I also notice the coolant pours out of the overflow pipe on the coolant top-up bottle on the right side of the engine!...even from cold...more worrying is now, white smoke is coming from the exhaust! (dreaded head gasket!!!)

Anyone had the gasket replaced if so, how much was it?

i don't know if this is the case with mine but it is going to a bongo mechanic tomorrow to diagnose.

Thanks guys!

Kev.

Loads of discussion on here. Have a search for head gasket. Could be your problem, bad luck if so but hope it gets sorted OK. Maybe get garage to test coolant for traces of exhaust gases to confirm suspicions.

How long have you had the Bongo and when did you did the temp sensor. Also, whereabouts have you mounted the sensor.

I'm never sure whether Bongos are especially prone to overheating per se, or whether they are especially prone to problems resulting from a neglected coolant system so that things like the radiator get sludged up. You might want to consider inspecting and replacing that as part of getting things right again, so the underlying cause is removed and you don't get a repeat situation.

Keep us posted and we'll try to help.

[mister munkey]

Anyone had the gasket replaced if so, how much was it?

In the hands of a pro, ball park around about £400 but allow £1000+ if the head needs replacing too.

As Mike says, its imperative to cure any underlying problems, spend a little extra time & money getting it right first time.

[haydn callow]

Which temp alarm do you have fitted and where is the sensor ???? what is the alarm threshhold set at ?? if it's a TM-2 it comes preset at 100C...this temp should not be a problem....why did it get to 117 before you stopped....this is a high temp if the sensor is in the recommended position.
What was your "normal" running temp before this hapopened??

[sniperFM]

Which temp alarm do you have fitted and where is the sensor ???? what is the alarm threshhold set at ?? if it's a TM-2 it comes preset at 100C...this temp should not be a problem....why did it get to 117 before you stopped....this is a high temp if the sensor is in the recommended position.
What was your "normal" running temp before this hapopened??

It is the TM-2. I didn't fit it so i'm not sure where it is fitted to!....I think it is alarmed at 101 i think.....it got this high by the time i stopped..i was going at 60 at the time and couldn't just stop on the carrigeway! (climbed very quickly!) The normal running temp was around 84-86

I have only had her a few weeks so still learning about them!

[mikeonb4c]

I have only had her a few weeks so still learning about them!

I suppose it was a private purchase? If from a dealer, then they should be taking responsibility.

[sniperFM]

I have only had her a few weeks so still learning about them!

I suppose it was a private purchase? If from a dealer, then they should be taking responsibility.

yes private sale, but the guy was really genuine and is still being helpful now....i can't really blame him.

I'm lucky in that there is a bongo competent garage near me which are investigating tomorrow..so, fingers crossed!

[mikeonb4c]

I have only had her a few weeks so still learning about them!

I suppose it was a private purchase? If from a dealer, then they should be taking responsibility.

yes private sale, but the guy was really genuine and is still being helpful now....i can't really blame him.

I'm lucky in that there is a bongo competent garage near me which are investigating tomorrow..so, fingers crossed!

Fingers crossed for you

Keep us posted

[haydn callow]

This isn't much help to you now but for future info and for others who have a TM-2 fitted.
From the "normal" temp you state "approx" 85C it sounds as though you have the sensor in either the correct position or connected to one of the "rocker" cover bolts on the inlet side of the engine..The TM-2 instructions (did you get them with your Bongo?) advise that once you have determined the "normal" running temp for you alarm you should reset it 3 or 4 degrees above....In your case this would mean your alarm would have been reset to "go off" at about 90C....This would probably have allowed you to stop well before you reached 100C and no damage...As I say...not a lot of help to you now but for others and the future...!!!
I suspect you lost coolant first and this would be the cause....when you do get it repaired ensure this leak (if there) is located and fixed.

[sniperFM]

This isn't much help to you now but for future info and for others who have a TM-2 fitted.
From the "normal" temp you state "approx" 85C it sounds as though you have the sensor in either the correct position or connected to one of the "rocker" cover bolts on the inlet side of the engine..The TM-2 instructions (did you get them with your Bongo?) advise that once you have determined the "normal" running temp for you alarm you should reset it 3 or 4 degrees above....In your case this would mean your alarm would have been reset to "go off" at about 90C....This would probably have allowed you to stop well before you reached 100C and no damage...As I say...not a lot of help to you now but for others and the future...!!!
I suspect you lost coolant first and this would be the cause....when you do get it repaired ensure this leak (if there) is located and fixed.

I have no instruction no, so maybe you can talk me through it when i get it back from the garage....She will be fixed no matter what cos i have fallen for her big time..LOL

I notice on your site you sell a clock with the TM2 mounted in this...do you sell (or could you sell) just the surround with the clock so i could fit myTM2 in that? i hope i made sense!

will keep all informed!

[mikeonb4c]

She will be fixed no matter what cos i have fallen for her big time..LOL
will keep all informed!

Really pleased to hear you say that. These are great cars - lovely to drive on open road and to take away on camping adventures etc. If everything is working as it should, they appear to be extremely solid and reliable cars too. Good luck getting yours sorted and factor in a coolant system overhaul while work is being done (new water pump, thermostat, radiator if it appears heavy with crud, replace tired looking hoses, all dependant on budget of course!)

[haydn callow]

Go back to the site and look at BMW Clocks.....Let me know at checkout and I will include a TM-2 instruction sheet.
or
Go to the site and get my phone No and we can sort it over the phone.

Whatever you do ....good luck..

[sniperFM]

Go back to the site and look at BMW Clocks.....Let me know at checkout and I will include a TM-2 instruction sheet.
or
Go to the site and get my phone No and we can sort it over the phone.

Whatever you do ....good luck..

will do, thanks.

[sniperFM]

GOOD NEWS....my bongo is back in action!....It turns out it had a fault on the thermostat and also one huge airlock in the system!.....Cost me £139 to fix. The mechanic said it had been a b**ch to clear the airlock which took him about 2 hours to do!.....Luckily though, it is now running fine!

Thanks for all the advice and guidance guys.....

Now, back to styling products for her!..LOL

[mikexgough]

The Thermostat has been identified as the cooling system "weakest link" in this recent thread..... http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=35902