Still got a coolant problem :(

[Sar N Ade]

Now we are really stuck.
Last year we had a coolant problem and finally took the Bongo to ADS in Bristol (after lots of bleeding etc). They changed a lot of hoses and checked the head.
We have only used the Bongo about once a fortnight since, so it has done less than 100 miles since then. We checked the coolant a couple of weeks ago and it was almost empty

Anyway, we topped it up and left it. Adrian checked it again tonight and the level has dropped, even though we have not used it at all.

We will phone ADS again tomorrow but just wondered what might be the problem. The level is dropping even when the vehicle is sat on the drive, not even under pressure.
Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be or even what we could do to mend it that hopefully doesn't involve another £500 plus?

Thanks

Sarah

[jaylee]

Water pump?? Mine was leaking when it wasn't running... Sorted now!

[Sar N Ade]

Shouldn't be...we had a new one fitted as the old one went bang.
I'll get Adrian to have a look at the weekend just in case though. Cheers Jaylee

Sarah

[missfixit70]

Is there no visible sign of loss? worth pressure testing the coolant system to check for hose leaks etc - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=38823. Have you checked the coolant for the presence of exhaust gasses thsat would indicate head/gasket issues? any other symptoms, white smoke, not running right?

[widdowson2008]

Silicon hose isssue?

[widdowson2008]

Re Silicon hoses - See Kirstys post - could be your answer
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=40561

[Harry]

If the water pump belt was overtightened on service it could well have b*****d up the water pump bearings and caused the new water pump to leak. It happened to me Very similar symtoms to yours.

Double check the pump for leaks.

H

[Northern Bongolow]

if your struggling i will send you by post the pressure test kit shown in the link kirsty put up.
give me a pm,or we can have a chat on the phone.
or can you get it to the bash.doesnt sound like its advisable to drive it far though.

[wishmaster]

Leaky radiator maybe

[Sar N Ade]

Thanks for all the advice and help

I'll speak to Adrian when he gets home from work and we'll look at the options.
The water pump problem mentioned by Harry is a possibility as it wasn't fitted by ADS but by the previous mechanic.
I assumed ADS pressure tested the system but Kirsty could well be on the right track. Especially as the Bongo is particularly smokey on start up (I did do the sniff test one morning but can't remember now how it smelt )
Northern Bongolow, I may well pm you over the weekend (although we are out Saturday and then there is the football so Adrian won't have a lot of time ) but we will look into the silicon hose/leaky radiator suggestions first).

You are all stars

Sarah