"Total" coolant loss (V6)

[fivepints]

Hi all. We've had our 2000 V6 for almost three years now and there's never been any sign of a problem. We've had to have the coolant topped up once or twice but never anything major (and that's only because it had gone from "high" to "low" between annual services).

Tonight, on the way home from a short trip away we noticed a fishy smell (not the normal cooolant smell I agree) and then when we got home a few minutes later there was a puddle all over the floor and out the front grill and on the bumper. The expansion tank is completely empty. I'm guessing we've sprung a fairly major leak somewhere as there was no movement on the thermostat (better fit that mason alarm I bought a few years ago!). Of course there could be some overheating. *gulp*.

I'm wondering where to start - obviously drain - flush - pressure test - low coolant alarm all spring to mind but where to begin?

The other thing I was wondering is could this be a hole in the radiator? Especially as liquid had clearly been ejected forward out of the grill with some force.

We're getting our friendly bongo mechanic in to have a look at it but, as we have the luxury of time, I wanted to make sure we do everything in the right order and don't forget anything!

[turbodave]

Hi, It's a leak! Could be from anywhere, but rad sounds possible. It will probably be worth looking at the hoses, the water pump as well as the rad.Expensive , but often an improved flow from a new rad will expose weaknesses in the water pump. Dave

[widdowson2008]

Ady (Northern bongolow) built a device for testing the cooling systems pressure - simplle, cheap, and easy to use. If you fill your system and pump it up with this device it will quickly become apparent where the leak is. Nice piece of kit.

[fivepints]

Oooh - cool - is it something that can be easily replicated? I'll ask.

[haydn callow]

One of many ways to pressurise the system.
Remove the short black overflow pipe from the expansion tank stub......saw the valve off a bike inner tube (hi pressure type)........this will now "self tap" into the stub.......Now gently give it 2/3 pumps and look for leaks......if you have a foot pump with gauge, put in about 10 lbs.
Remove the valve when finished.

[widdowson2008]

Oooh - cool - is it something that can be easily replicated? I'll ask.

VERY easy.
I'm sure Ady will only be too pleased to help.

[fivepints]

I'm afraid that my mechanical skills are limited to fixing pedal bikes, unfortunately I'm "one of them" who would be looking for a garage to do the work for me - especially as this is our only vehicle. At least identifying the leak will be a start!

[widdowson2008]

I'm afraid that my mechanical skills are limited to fixing pedal bikes, unfortunately I'm "one of them" who would be looking for a garage to do the work for me - especially as this is our only vehicle. At least identifying the leak will be a start!

Pedal bike engineering is totally adequate for Adys gizmo - seriously. So simple.

Come on Ady - Need your input on this one.

[fivepints]

I see a few designs on here so I might have a tinker tomorrow after work

[Simon Jones]

Fit a low coolant alarm

Horse, gate, bolted and all that sort of thing. All Bongos are just as prone to a rad or pipe leak (as are any vehicles of a similar vintage), so a low coolant alarm will give you advance warning which might just prevent expensive damage.

From your symptoms, it does sound like a radiator, or top / bottom hose. Once the problem has been rectified, the bleeding process is the same as the diesel engine.

[fivepints]

No need ro check under pressure, filled up with water and it all just came running out the top of the radiator! Going into the garage today sl will see if they find a reason for the radiator going pop or whether it's just bad luck

[lpgimports]

Top seal on rad isnt uncommon, but the plastic tank on the top of the rad can also become brittle doesnt happen often on a Bongo but almost every Mitsubishi I ever brought had to have a rad fitted before I would sell it.

Low coolant alarm, fit one, bit like a parachute on a plane, never want to need it but........

[fivepints]

Brief update for all those who are interested (and thanks for all the help so far), radiators not back in stock til Monday so will be on the phone then. Once fitted I've asked for a flush and check of hoses before refill. Will look at the cost of water pumps, and order a low Coolant alarm, tomorrow!

[haydn callow]

Make sure your "friendly Bongo mechanic" knows the correct way to bleed it once the new rad is fitted.

[fivepints]

Haydn, thanks - we actually aren't seeing the same person as usual, he wasn't available, so we've gone for "Drive-In" in Aylesbury who, according to the members area, know an approved coolant change method.

I will be taking the fact sheet with me when I go back in regardless!