Cooling - rubber hoses

[vanvliet]

I will be draining / flushing my cooling system at some stage in the near future .Is it worthwhile changing the coolant hoses on a ten year old van ? Are silicon (?)replacement kits available for piece of mind ? If not , is it feasible for the club ( Ian) to approach a supplier to produce a kit? Are silicon hoses superior to rubber?
I pose the question because i have a really nice set on my MX5 which were fitted by a previous owner they are apparently suitable for supercharger /turbo applications so there must be a company which could produce them to a Bongo pattern /spec.

[Bumbly1]

Draining and flushing the cooling system is a really good precaution. Any idea how to clean the transparent radiator header tank, it is difficult to see the level on mine.

[Peg leg Pete]

Not sure how you clean it Tom, mine is stained too, result of boil-ups when Bongo was playing up

[Bumbly1]

Peter
That could be how mine happened too Tell tale stains Someone might come up with a useful tip, hope it does not divert the thread though as it doesnt answer Vanliets question!

[Peg leg Pete]

In reply to vanilets queries, I would certainly give all the hoses a good check and replace any dodgy looking ones, not sure about aternatives to rubber hoses

[Bumbly1]

In reply to vanilets queries, I would certainly give all the hoses a good check and replace any dodgy looking ones, not sure about aternatives to rubber hoses

The original rubber types will last long enough to see me out and it is not exactly an engine compartment one can show off! The standard hoses are readily available too. The blue ones do look nice though.

[Dabs]

Having just had problems with some of My hoses I have to recommend a thorough check of them all on a regular basis.I certainly will from now on luckily it didnt result in a disaster but in hindsight I should have spotted it Myself before it actually leaked.
It just takes a little effort to raise the seats and have a good check around regularly!
I have to admit though I didnt realise the pipes underneath a Bongo as in My case would be at fault at some stage.These pipes do not seem to get any mention its the ones around the engine area under the seats that owners are preoccupied with.Lesson to be learned with all this!

CHECK YOUR HOSES


Cheers Dave

[routhwaite]

I have a similar problem where I am losing water from somewhere and my heater system keeps failing. I am looking for a decent mechanic because the one I keep going to keeps giving me it back as I gave him it. Is there an easy way to find out if one of my hoses is leaking and if this is why I am getting poor heat through the internal heaters?

[Bumbly1]

I have a similar problem where I am losing water from somewhere and my heater system keeps failing. I am looking for a decent mechanic because the one I keep going to keeps giving me it back as I gave him it. Is there an easy way to find out if one of my hoses is leaking and if this is why I am getting poor heat through the internal heaters?

At the risk of being alarmist, have this checked out immediately, overheating can have dire consequences but it is possible to catch it before it becomes a disaster. I know to my cost

Sorry cant help re mechanic but I know a good one near Linlithgow which is no help to you. Hope it all works out fine.

Tom

[bongolow]

I have a similar problem where I am losing water from somewhere and my heater system keeps failing. I am looking for a decent mechanic because the one I keep going to keeps giving me it back as I gave him it.

Assuming it's not him that you've been using, try Adrian at Japan Direct Service Centre in Bury 0161 763 3003 - he does the servicing for Manchester Campers.

[rwill19050]

I have a similar problem where I am losing water from somewhere and my heater system keeps failing. I am looking for a decent mechanic because the one I keep going to keeps giving me it back as I gave him it. Is there an easy way to find out if one of my hoses is leaking and if this is why I am getting poor heat through the internal heaters?

Have you checked the members fact sheet section.
By experience...... 'Cold heater = Air lock = Catastrophe if not corrected.
It is a simple procedure to correct, just bleed the system, so do it as a matter of urgency.
As for the water loss, lift the seats run the engine and look for the drips.

[vanvliet]

Trust this is of use.[/quote]

Thank you for the detailed comments . I was prepared to throw some money at replacement high performance hoses which I hoped would have given me piece of mind but after reading this it would clearly be pointless

[Bumbly1]

Trust this is of use.

Thank you for the detailed comments . I was prepared to throw some money at replacement high performance hoses which I hoped would have given me piece of mind but after reading this it would clearly be pointless[/quote]

Vanvliet

For peace of mind, I would flush out the system thoroughly, rads and heater matrix, head etc, replace all the hoses with standard Mazda items and refill with the correct solution. It may be a hassle but I think it would be well worth the effort. They have lasted a fair time so far so they deserve a break!
In my opinion it is blocked passageways whether in the head, block, radiator or heaters that cause the common overheating problem, make sure the coolant gets to where its meant to and you will have years of enjoyable motoring. The engines are capable of high mileages if the japanese auctions are a guide, many with over 200,000 kms under their wheels.

Tom

[vanvliet]

Where is the best place to get a full set of hoses ? How many are required ? Any idea on cost?

[Bumbly1]

Where is the best place to get a full set of hoses ? How many are required ? Any idea on cost?

More a case of do as I say not do as I do I have replaced one only and I bought it from Bongobits but if I was keeping mine I would replace them all for re-assurance.

Tom