Coolant alarm

[bongofever]

Evening,

Just an update on today's adventure, (this is now bongofever's wife btw), had no choice but to drive the vehicle, did not have to go far, approx 3 miles, but after 2 miles, temp went so high, smelt burning, panicked, called AA, they said that the thermostat is sticking which is what is setting the coolant alarm off, will try to get hold of a thermostat tomorrow for the garage to attach.

AA man also said that it wouldn't matter what coolant we put in as we have put so much water in it it would have drained away by now.

Do you agree that the thermostat could have been what has caused the problem with the alarm?

Thanks

[Driver+Passengers]

Ouch...! I'm praying your head survived. Perhaps a little late to ask, but when topping up, did you ever find the header tank had completely emptied? This would have introduced air into the system.

Plenty of info here on thermostats - get a genuine part if you can. Did AA tow you to the garage, or back home? You DON'T want to drive it again before it gets sorted.

If the stat was sicking closed and therefore not directing coolant through the rad, then perhaps temperature/pressure increase caused coolant to find/develop a weak spot. Worth checking the pressure release valve is ok (header tank cap?). Just a guess.

Until you find out for certain if damage has been done or not due to overheating, do make sure it's bled correctly after refill to eliminate all air pockets. Does your garage know Bongos? - check the videos on youTube for a tutorial on one way of doing it. One of the points stressed near the end is that you MUST get the bottom hose hot.

Keep us posted. Good luck...
M

[bongofever]

Hello,

Yes I do believe it did completely empty, which again the AA suggests is all linked from the thermostat, he brought us back home but the garage is not far at all, we are taking it there tonight, mechanic said he had worked on Mazda's before but not specifically bongo's.

Checked pressure and that was fine. The garage said they will drain it thoroughly but will pass on the top tip.

Keep your fingers crossed for us

Tina

[Driver+Passengers]

Hello,

Yes I do believe it did completely empty, which again the AA suggests is all linked from the thermostat, he brought us back home but the garage is not far at all, we are taking it there tonight, mechanic said he had worked on Mazda's before but not specifically bongo's.

Checked pressure and that was fine. The garage said they will drain it thoroughly but will pass on the top tip.

Keep your fingers crossed for us

Tina

Good luck.

I WOULDN'T DRIVE IT TONIGHT if you can avoid it. If it's 2wd, tow it. If it's 4wd or you can't get a tow, sounds like you MUST bleed it before driving again, and make sure your level never drops out the header tank while doing so. You must have air in there by now, and the highest point is in the system where it is likely to collect is in the cylinder head - I believe. If/when you bleed it, and air does escape, you're water level will drop. The videos explain it well.

Dunno - what do others think? I wouldn't risk driving it without action first.

Take him fact sheets, get him to watch the YouTube videos twice - can't stress enough that bleeding correctly is the only way you're going to save your head. And again, that goes for NOW before you drive it to the garage, as well as whatever your guy does to it.

(I'm saying all this is good faith - I've never bled a Bongo yet, though probably will have by the end of the week. From what I've read on here over the last six months, though, you're better not to drive it with suspected/known air locks and you must make sure it's bled correctly.)

Matt.

[rita]

Hi bongofever,

If your vehicle is an automatic,don't Tow it,the pump in the box will not be working without the engine running and you could knacker the box.

Cheers.

[Driver+Passengers]

What's the latest?

[haydn callow]

I'm not sure what the alarm problem is but it would seem it has been trying to tell you there is a problem that needs looking into...

I wouldn't spend too much time on the alarm until all other coolant problems are sorted...then see what happens.

[bongofever]

Hello,

Two words.......Head Gasket (no idea if that is how you spell it), is cracked, the mechanic just kept saying "sorry, you have been very unlucky", we now need to tow it 120 miles to get it fixed, however previous message suggested we do not tow????? not sure how else we can get it there, have been told of a man who will tow for £1 per mile or it has been suggested we call AA and get them to tow but not sure I could sleep at night by doing that, seems wrong.

Fed up, were skint, bought the bongo to save us some pennies on holidays so almost regretting the whole thing, such a hassle.

Tina

[bongofever]

Husband just told me we need to get a low level loader, I stand corrected!

[Driver+Passengers]

SOOOO sorry to hear that - I'm totally gutted for you!

120 miles is a fair way - is it a Bongo specialist? None closer? You might get some good recommendations on here...? How did you get it diagnosed? Someone come out, or did you manage to get it to your local garage in the end?

Don't regret buying the Bongo - if you can get through this, you're sure to realise the dreams you had for it. That said, getting your head sorted is certainly a hassle you could have done without - what a kick in teeth!

Keep the heid.
Matt

[teenmal]

Hi,

Might be worthwhile giving this guy a call,he gets a very good reputation.

Mazda Bongo Servicing and Repair, Based in Warwickshire, mobile service also available. Toyota Granvia Servicing and Repair. 22 Years as a Japanese Engine Specialist. Full mechanical repairs, Engine rebuilds, Cylinder Head replacement, Cooling system overhaul, Full machine shop facilities, Mobile service also available. Rear wheel arch repairs and under sealing. Recommended by Bongo specialists.

Please contact Simon on 07551578462 by phone or txt or email [email protected]

[mikeWalsall]

Buffalo Bob is the Chairman of the TEOC (Toyota Estima owners Club) and has a God like reputation as being a brilliant honest ethical mobile mechanic ..

http://rcmvr.co.uk