Coolant top up!

[Stevievee]

Hi all. I am wanting to top my coolant up a little in our newish Bongo. The thing is, it doesn't seem to have any colour to it, just water? Not sure whether to just add more water or risk adding some coolant as well?
What are peoples thoughts? Thanks

[haydn callow]

Suggest you VERY QUICKLY go to a garage and get the strength of your coolant checked.
If it is very weak it will need the system draining and refilling with the correct strength coolant mixture. (30% or more)
It is VERY IMPORTANT that whoever drains and refills knows that Bongos needs bleeding in a specific way. See YouTube videos ‘bleeding bongos’. Get this wrong and you will probably end up with a goosed cylinder head and very expensive repairs.
Do consider fitting a low coolant alarm.

[Stevievee]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I do have a coolant alarm already installed. I will get it in the garage this week. I think by looking the mix is pretty weak.

[Stevievee]

Bloody owning a bongo terrifies me!!!

[Bob]

Which engine do you have?

As Haydn says, the diesel and V6 absolutely must be bled properly, but the 2 ltr petrol is a lot simpler.

Frost is coming, and the coolant is also important as it contains a corrosion inhibiter.

[Stevievee]

Hi Bob. It’s the 2.5 diesel. Not even sure I have garage local to me that is Bongo friendly (Bradford, West Yorkshire). Do I take it to the garage I use for my car and encourage him to him watch the YouTube video on bleeding!! I think I remember somebody mentioned New Street Garage in Idle being Bongo friendly, might try them.

[haydn callow]

Get it done by a garage that knows Bongos. Worth driving some distance.

[Stevievee]

Bongo Spares... 20 mile away, might have a day out in Sowerby Bridge!

[Bob]

Don't know New St, there is a list of Bongo savvy garages in the Members' area, or Bongo Spares are only about 1/2 hour from you.

Very well thought of.

There have been far to many peeps who have come here with a sorry tale having been told by a mechanic, "I've been doing this xx years, no need to tell me my job..."

Edit: Beat me to it.

[Stevievee]

Thanks Bob. Funny you should say that. I spoke to my garage about his experience with Bongo’s.... his reply ‘once you done one car, they’re all the same’