Coolant question?

Cab-ova pete · Post by **Cab-ova pete** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 3:29 pm

Hi all, this is my first summer with the bongo and my concern is we went to the "mofest" a 50 mile round trip and I checked the coolant level and it was dead centre between low and full? Is this ok as when I check it frequently it is nearer the full mark, no wet patches under van no hose leeks! I'm just trying to monitor the amount it is using hoping it's not losing?

Post by **g8dhe** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 3:47 pm

Well the Lower level tells you that you should fill it up to the High level! You haven't yet reached that point so unless you know that your loosing coolant I wouldn't get to worried by it, but just keep an eye open.
On a V6 several people have commented that if you fill it above half-way point it will always settle back to that point anyway in a short time and then stay there, noticed this on ours as well.

Cab-ova pete · Post by **Cab-ova pete** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:01 pm

Hi Geoff, would that be the same for diesel? It was serviced in April and coolant topped up, it was nearer the full mark and didn't drop until last 3weeks, saying that I have done 500km and it had been warm and hilly runs out! I've gotta get that tm2

I've got my brake to do in next few weeks and I 2sections of exhaust to source! Not urgent,but before winter, thanks for info

Peter

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:04 pm

The level varies significantly between engine cold and engine hot on my diesel.

Post by **Muzorewa** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:15 pm

Fill it to the full mark when cold, and check when cold. When hot and pressurised the level should be quite a bit higher, maybe 10mm or so but it'll drop back when it cools. When unpressurised and hot, like when you're bleeding the system, you need it to be above the seam in the tank for it to be the correct level when cold.

Post by **Simon Jones** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 10:50 pm

After bleeding, it often takes a day or two to settle down but should then remain stable indefinatley when measured at the same temperature on a level surface. I tend to keep mine just over half way between min and max.

A low coolant alarm is a very worthwhile investment as it will immediately alert you when there is a problem. There is an inexpensive home-made version on eBay which is better than nothing but it doesn't have an automatic self-test facility so you don't get any notification that's is working. The most popular version is one of Haydn's LCAs which has proven track record for reliablilty for many hundreds of Bongo owners.

Northern Bongolow · Post by **Northern Bongolow** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 11:02 pm

in case you cannot find the leak which it sounds like you do have read this regarding hard to find leaks from the water pump.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... mp#p572266

Cab-ova pete · Post by **Cab-ova pete** » Sun Jun 21, 2015 11:14 pm

Thanks for the info Simon and NBongolow

I will be getting him checked out!

cmm303 · Post by **cmm303** » Mon Jun 22, 2015 11:53 am

Simon mentioned checking coolant level on the level. It does make some difference.

My coolant level remains constant just below the full line even if I top back up to the line. It is a sealed system so loss of coolant needs attention.

Cab-ova pete · Post by **Cab-ova pete** » Mon Jun 22, 2015 10:03 pm

Hi all, I've checked it after I just did 70 miles, he's fine, I've got it now

I have been previously checking it after a run out and it's been warm and the level was always just below full, anyway when I checked it the other day he hadn't been out for a couple days, cold, the level was JUST above low, that's why I freaked out

the difference in levels when hot/cold is scary

but now I know it's another lesson learned, don't panic

thanks for all your helpful replies, but I hope you can understand how worried I was due to the amount of people having coolant issues last month, I thaught it was catching and it was my turn

but no, "Natty" ( my bongo) is fine and healthy

Peter

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jun 23, 2015 8:12 am

Do you have a Low Coolant Alarm fitted??

Cab-ova pete · Post by **Cab-ova pete** » Tue Jun 23, 2015 3:36 pm

Hi Haydn, No I don't have an alarm fitted? I am hoping to be in a position to purchase the tm2 from yourself at the end of July all being well

Peter

Post by **Muzorewa** » Tue Jun 23, 2015 3:43 pm

I think the reason Haydn's asking is that the trigger for the alarm is set midway between Hi & Low, so should have been triggered if your level is on the low line when cold.

Cab-ova pete · Post by **Cab-ova pete** » Tue Jun 23, 2015 3:45 pm

Ok Muz, thanks

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Tue Jun 23, 2015 4:11 pm

Cab-ova pete wrote:Hi Haydn, No I don't have an alarm fitted? I am hoping to be in a position to purchase the tm2 from yourself at the end of July all being well
Peter

Go for the Low Coolant Alarm and then if funds allow a TM2 or TM4 later.

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