Coolant Issue

[haydn callow]

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I did notice that the coolant is now way over the "full" line in the header tank.

Is Bongo level fore-aft? It affects coolant level indication.

Haydn is braver than me! An alternative for domestic cowards could be to drain a bit out:

Engine cold, bongo level
Completely remove expansion tank cap (the one you take off to top up)
At the bottom of the radiator on the drivers side is a drain valve, a bit like a wing nut. Unscrew this slowly until coolant just starts to run out, screw it back in to prove you can stop the flow before it is too late! It is quite controllable. When the level is down to or just below FULL, screw it back up tight.
Replace expansion tank cap.

I was trying to keep it super simple......it's not unknown for the red drain tap to snap off if old/ brittle, or if you unscrew it to far it to fall out.....worry,worry

[cmm303]

The van is sat on a flat drive way so there must be a little too much in there.

Forgive my ignorance but the radiator and drain valve are up front yeah? And not under seat? I told you I was useless at the mechanics!

Yes. but note Haydn's points:

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I was trying to keep it super simple......it's not unknown for the red drain tap to snap off if old/ brittle, or if you unscrew it to far it to fall out.....worry,worry

[mountainmummy]

Hi

I'm sorry you've possibly not received the best service from the garage, we've always had fab service from them and I trust them with my Freda.

When you checked the level, was the engine warm by any chance? When hot the coolant expands and therefore appears higher than normal in the header tank.

Sara

[Thriller]

Not at all mountain mummy, I reckon they did a decent job and like you suggested only charged for what was required.

I only noticed your message when coming on with an update - when checking levels before a trip this weekend I noticed the coolant is now only slightly over full. This puzzled me at first but then I thought to come on here and ask if the level would rise when hot. And you've already answered my question!

Like I said, I am really clueless with all things mechanical but hopefully this episode has taught me a few lessons!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I had decided to try the basting method as couldn't find the pipe!