Leaky coolant pipes

[Cat]

Hi. I'm looking for advice. My much loved 1996 bongo had recently had two episodes where a coolant pipe leaked and had to be replaced. Mechanic says whole system is rusty and it could happen again anytime. Now fuel pump has also gone and I've been told it's not worth fixing. Any advice? I want to fix it but not sure if it's economically viable.

[Bob]

Hmm, I'd say it almost certainly is worth fixing, assuming it's in resonable shape otherwise, so I'd be reading, "I don't want/can't be bothered to fix it".

If you tell us roughly where you are, nearest large town or corner of a county, we can likely suggest a Bongo Friendly garage near you who may be more helpful.

Has the garage followed the bleed process properly after replacing pipes? This is VITAL.

[Cat]

I live in far north Scotland. Not many options for garages here and yes, I don't think he likes the vehicle. How big a job is replacing all the pipes? Any other options e.g. sealing etc?

[Bob]

There's a Bongo Friendly garage listed in Kinloss, but that may not be far enough north.

If he's talking about replacing pipes due to rust I'd guess it's the long pipes to the rear heater, this can be blanked off with no ill effects.

As for replacing all the hoses, there's a lot of them, but I wouldn't have thought they all need changing.

Someone with more knowledge will be along I'm sure.

[Northern Bongolow]

lawsons diesels in edinburgh will recon your pump by post, great family firm thats been going for years.

http://www.lawsondiesel.co.uk/contact/index.htm

[cmm303]

Hi. I'm looking for advice. My much loved 1996 bongo had recently had two episodes where a coolant pipe leaked and had to be replaced. Mechanic says whole system is rusty and it could happen again anytime. Now fuel pump has also gone and I've been told it's not worth fixing. Any advice? I want to fix it but not sure if it's economically viable.

Diesel?

Diesel fuel pump seals and coolant pipes are both items which typically have gone or are due by 21yrs old. So this is nothing untoward.
Though they aren't dead cheap to sort it is still likely to be cheaper than the depreciation on a newer vehicle. Unless your Bongo is about to fall to bits then it's usually worth repairing.

Perhaps get the garage to show you the rusty pipes and the ones they reckon are ok. Diesel engines don't tolerate overheating with expensive consequences (£1500+) so preventative maintenance on the cooling system is sound advice. It is worth checking the age of the rubber hoses and other cooling components. If they are original it makes sense to replace them at the same time though the hoses alone will set you back a few £££. There is a sense of confidence in knowing the cooling system will work as well and reliably as it did 20 years ago.