temp gauge moving up.

[lancyman]

Hi all,

On the way home from the lakes today I noticed that
My temp gauge had moved slightly up from 11 oclock position
To about 12. Now I had driven for over an hour, it was warm outside,
And the van was driving ok. When I got home I checked the engine
And couldn't really see any leaks or loss of fluids. Should I be worried?
Should I get it checked over just to be sure?

Thanks.

[M 80NGO]

Check the coolant level first thing in the morning when she's stone cold, keep an eye on her but i wouldn't worry to much, like you said it was warm and she drove fine

[lancyman]

Good idea. I will check in the morning. I looked at the
Coolant tank from the outside and the level looked ok.
I will dip it in the morning too.

[francophile1947]

If your gauge is not modified, it is extremely unusual to go above 11o'clock. I'd certainly watch it carefully for a while.

[lancyman]

It's not modified. Oh dear, I am pretty paranoid about the whole
Overheating thing.

[Northern Bongolow]

the coolant level may still be ok in the morning, but it may have sucked in a little air, this air can hold up the coolant level.
check every pipe and clip for signs of coolant leaking.
the standard temp gauge if moveing above 11 oclock is telling you something.

if you feel confident enough, let the pressure go in the exp tank when cold, fit a funnel to the raised bleed pipe end(not too high or this will empty of coolant and let in air) and watch for air bubbles escaping as you lower the funnel, keeping an eye on the exp tank level, this may give you a clue to a possible leak somewhere.and air being trapped in the head.
but only do this if your confident with it all.

did your heater/s go cool/cold when the temp gauge showed hotter than usual??.

[lancyman]

Checked this morning. Think I found a leak in one of the three
Pipes under the bonnet, on the left hand side. Not much liquid, but I
Wiped it clean yesterday and its damp looking again. Taking it to Mitchell bros
Tomorrow. What can I do in the meantime? Tape it up? Leave it?

[mikeonb4c]

If your gauge is not modified, it is extremely unusual to go above 11o'clock. I'd certainly watch it carefully for a while.

I agree. Mine has never done it in 5+ years. Glad you are having it looked at.

[lancyman]

Well I've been to see Ian at Mitchells. He gave Margo a thorough examination.
Really couldn't spot what the problem was, except radiator might
Be on the way out. Sigh of relief. Such good service as he fitted me in
On the spur of the moment. Feeling much happier now. Back to bongoing.

[haydn callow]

Is Ian @ Mitchells Bongo savvy ref bleeding the cooling system ??

[lancyman]

As far as I know he is. He is on the recomended garage list I think.
He certainly asks all the right questions etc. He Told me today about looking for bubbles
In the header tank. Which is what people on here had said to look for.
He serviced my bongo the other month and did an excellent job.