Bongo Fury

Being a bit rubbish with cars I was wondering:

Excluding Hayden's coolant alarm for a moment, is it necessary/useful to use an engine temperature gauge like the TM2 temp gauge or is the Mason alarm good enough?

Thanks

i use the mason alarm, i like the idea that it gives a greater and more accurate reading from your temp gauge, plus it has an audible alarm if it does get too hot and you don't see the temp gauge rising. haydns coolant alarm is a must.

Hi ... i use the TM2, what i like about this system is it gives me a digital very accurate readout of the eng temp, and a preset alarm, totally independent of the bongos set up, But can i just say all the systems have good points and bad, and its just personnel choice on which way you want to go, I think Haydns system is very good for the price and i understand its under development into a twin ciggy socket ? I might just fit one of them as and when there available, Half the problem with these bongos is the hoses are perishing, So I have just fitted a full set of silicone hoses yesterday, All MY HOSES WERE HARD AND BRITTLE ! at least it narrows the odds down on springing a leak,
I missed the point instead of monitoring for a leak, I should have been trying to prevent it happening in the first place …..this is my second head in around 8 months both due to hose leaks nothing else, hope this helps thanks Big Rich

Hi Big Rich
You say that you fitted a 'full set' of silicon hoses. Was this the 6 sold by Flippa or did you have another source or ,did you add the extra ones over his set of 6.
I have fitted Flippa's 6 myself but wondered if the others were readily available from another supplier. Hope you do not have any more problems with the cooling system.
Never had an overheating problem to date - low mileage 1995 - but I fitted both alarms and pipes as a precaution - -
I also wondered if the metal pipes could be replaced by braided stainless steel piping which can be made up in any size with a variety of end fittings - - -

Hi yes full set via Flippa and very good hoses! also changed the gear box to main oil cooler pipes as showing signs of perishing/wetness ! 10mm silicone used, I dont and, have never had, any problems with overheating.... ONLY WITH LEAKING HOSES! then along came the silicone set from Flippa, and job sorted ! WOW braided steel that's gunna cost ya! although i did notice slight end corrosion on the large waterpipes ..but just on the ends, i am going to sort a set of new pipes when i can find the time,still got the rear heater matrix hoses to change there 16mm or there abouts many thanks Rich

You are right , braided are prob going to be too expensive. I have some s/s pipe in my garage but not sure if it is suitable - need to look into this . Yes ,the Flippa hoses are good quality.

I might just knock a set of pipes up myself ! Is it me or is there a paranoia on an early warning system for the coolant side ?? I have spent the last 6 months on my knees looking under the freda for leaks to the point of “beat knee“ but missed the point of sorting the problematic leaking out. Anyway I just hope its now sorted… thanks Rich

So I guess from what I have read both are OK and its a matter of personal choice which to go for?

Well all you can do is fit em all, as many as you can.

Haydn alarm fits easily and get some hoses, not yet got a mason yet, must do.

Leaking seems to be the main problem in the overheating stakes on the bongo.