Head gasket
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Head gasket
Some advice please.
Just had bongo in garage today for oil change, coolant check and tightening alternator belt (tried the tip using wd40 but that didn't cure squeaking on tick over). All now ok and running sweet. Was advised by mechanic that head gasket is weeping oil and needs attention. I keep a regular check on oil and water levels and have not seen any loss of oil or coolant over the six months (10 000km) I have had vehicle (Diesel). Obviously I will need to monitor this closely but would appreciate advice as to whtehr I need to get this fixed asap or can confidently run vehicle if there is no appreciable loss of oil or coolant or am I taking a risk that a major failure is just around the corner? Does it sound like gasket or will head require major surgery? Worth doing the whole job?
Garage is one I have used for many years. I know owners well so appreciate they are pretty honest. They don't specialise in Bongos but have done work on another recently.
Should I get a second opinion? Not keen on 650+ quoted, especially at this time of year or should I bite the bullet and sleep easy?
Just had bongo in garage today for oil change, coolant check and tightening alternator belt (tried the tip using wd40 but that didn't cure squeaking on tick over). All now ok and running sweet. Was advised by mechanic that head gasket is weeping oil and needs attention. I keep a regular check on oil and water levels and have not seen any loss of oil or coolant over the six months (10 000km) I have had vehicle (Diesel). Obviously I will need to monitor this closely but would appreciate advice as to whtehr I need to get this fixed asap or can confidently run vehicle if there is no appreciable loss of oil or coolant or am I taking a risk that a major failure is just around the corner? Does it sound like gasket or will head require major surgery? Worth doing the whole job?
Garage is one I have used for many years. I know owners well so appreciate they are pretty honest. They don't specialise in Bongos but have done work on another recently.
Should I get a second opinion? Not keen on 650+ quoted, especially at this time of year or should I bite the bullet and sleep easy?
- mister munkey
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Re: Head gasket
Second opinion is my guess.
A blown head gasket would do significantly more than just weep oil.
Likey to be a leaky rocker cover gasket.
Something that can be put on the back burner for a while at least . . .
A blown head gasket would do significantly more than just weep oil.
Likey to be a leaky rocker cover gasket.
Something that can be put on the back burner for a while at least . . .
The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing. http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/MisterMunkey
Re: Head gasket
Warm welcome Gannet, if you let us know roughly where you are someone local to you may well take a look.
I haven't seen it, but generally 'Weeping', with no noticeable loss of oil isn't an urgent job. A full on leak is a different matter.
If you put an old bit of ply or similar under it is there a puddle?
I haven't seen it, but generally 'Weeping', with no noticeable loss of oil isn't an urgent job. A full on leak is a different matter.
If you put an old bit of ply or similar under it is there a puddle?
Re: Head gasket
please post location so members can advise of local garage,
If it is rocker gasket pick them up for £20ish and its about an hours job,
if you are gonna change head gasket check whan the last timing belt was done as you might as well kill two birds at once dont forget tension bearing and spring too
If it is rocker gasket pick them up for £20ish and its about an hours job,
if you are gonna change head gasket check whan the last timing belt was done as you might as well kill two birds at once dont forget tension bearing and spring too
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Re: Head gasket
Echo the above - I'd leave a slight weep - better to keep an eye on it than risk disturbing the head gasket with possible associated cooling system problems IMO
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Re: Head gasket
If it's the front driver's side of the engine, it's probably the EGR valve - they all do that
John
(Evidence that intelligent life exists in the universe, is that it hasn't tried to contact us)
(Evidence that intelligent life exists in the universe, is that it hasn't tried to contact us)
Re: Head gasket
Thanks for swift replies - most helpful. Will sleep a little easier tonight!
Will check exactly where oil is coming from when light tomorrow. I have a suspicion it is drivers side. Rocker gasket sounds much cheaper!
I am based in Chudleigh, Devon. Bought van from Topsham but not sure about their workshop. May try Allans vehicles in Plymouth if others recommend them for second opinion unless any members can assist.
Will check exactly where oil is coming from when light tomorrow. I have a suspicion it is drivers side. Rocker gasket sounds much cheaper!
I am based in Chudleigh, Devon. Bought van from Topsham but not sure about their workshop. May try Allans vehicles in Plymouth if others recommend them for second opinion unless any members can assist.
- haydn callow
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Re: Head gasket
If it's the drivers seat towards the front of the engine....Forget it....every diesel bongo i've looked at has it.....if your not having to top up ...not a problem...as already said crud that gets past a seal.
Re: Head gasket
Allans will definitely see you right, he's done a few jobs for me, and yes, mine weeps at the front o/s.
Never had to top up in 2 years other than regular oil changes.
Never had to top up in 2 years other than regular oil changes.
Re: Head gasket
Went to see Allans in Plymouth. What a gem of a guy. Took one look at oil leak and told me not to worry as they all seem to suffer that way. What a relief! Lesson learnt - it pays to go to garages that know Bongos.
Sadly now need a new wing mirror glass as some ...... pinged mirror while parked in Plymouth so not all good news!
Will certainly viist him again when I want other work done in future.
Sadly now need a new wing mirror glass as some ...... pinged mirror while parked in Plymouth so not all good news!
Will certainly viist him again when I want other work done in future.
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Re: Head gasket
We are very lucky in the Bongo community to have such an excellent collection of Bongo specialists (Allans, Bellhill, Discount Trucks, Ian Taylor, JAL, Hillside, Wheelquick, that-bloke-in-Croydon-whose-name-I-can-never-remember, ditto in Norfolk!) all of whom seem to share the same enthusiasm for this sometimes quirky, sometimes difficult but never boring, unlikely star of a carGannet wrote:Went to see Allans in Plymouth. What a gem of a guy. Took one look at oil leak and told me not to worry as they all seem to suffer that way. What a relief! Lesson learnt - it pays to go to garages that know Bongos.
Sadly now need a new wing mirror glass as some ...... pinged mirror while parked in Plymouth so not all good news!
Will certainly viist him again when I want other work done in future.
Not to mention our own home grown talent (you know who you are) on hand to advise and offer a sort of NHS Direct for Bongos diagnostic service, but quicker and cheaper
Take a bow guys n gals
- dandywarhol
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Re: Head gasket
You could rename it NBS Direct
Whale oil beef hooked
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Re: Head gasket
Don't go there - I'm due to go under the knife for (1) a hernia and (2) some painful thing on my foot.............so I'm hoping the public service cuts dont cut in before I can get serviced, if you get medandywarhol wrote:You could rename it NBS Direct
Re: Head gasket
Bad luck Mike, I'm sure all will be well.
The NHS take some stick, but I can swear that whenever any of my friends or family have needed anything done they have been brilliant.
The NHS take some stick, but I can swear that whenever any of my friends or family have needed anything done they have been brilliant.
- mikeonb4c
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Re: Head gasket
Thanks Bob. This winter I decided to take a break from fettling the Bongo and get myself fettled insteadBob wrote:Bad luck Mike, I'm sure all will be well.
The NHS take some stick, but I can swear that whenever any of my friends or family have needed anything done they have been brilliant.
Also got physio on Thursday for the shoulder I whacked coming off my electric bike (my attempts to reduce carbon footprint resulted in nought but a carbon shoulderprint outside Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport )
I won't go on about my 3 troublesome teeth, my coccyx or my ears. Not on an open forum. It wouldn't be decent