Panic - coolant alarm went off....

[lou]

I've had my lovely bongo for just over a month and I've come across my first problem - hope someone can help and fingers crossed it isn't as bad as I think it is...

Bit of background - Checked my levels on Sun and had to fill up the coolant, what liquid that was inside the reservoir was brown and the expansion cap looked rusty. Needed topping up - about 1/2 litre.

Today I was on my way out when my coolant alarm went off and wouldn't stop as it usually does. Checked the levels again and had to put about 1/2 litre in. Have checked around and under both front seats and can't see any signs of leaking from anywhere - although to be honest I wouldn't have a clue if I was looking in the right places...lol

Coolant alarm went off once this was done.

Additionally the pipe that leads to the reservoir is hard when squeezed.

Have added some pics - keeping my fingers crossed that it is just a leak and nothing more serious.

[westonwarrior]

was there any white smoke when you started?

Did you get it from a dealer?

the fact that the coolant is brown and cloudy tells my untrained brain that the coolant needs changing and you may have a blocked system.

just first guess mind

[lou]

Haven't seen any smoke - started it earlier and made a point of looking for it

Got it from someone on the forum - not nearby unfortunately

[You've Been Bongod]

lou
it looks like that pipe from the bottle has been leaking as its discoloured (old water colour)

[Peg leg Pete]

Looks like it definatly needs the coolant system checking out, certainly the hoses and the coolant needs changing.

[haydn callow]

I think you must certainly have a coolant leak. Before you do much else find a garage that knows how to service a Bongo cooling system (really knows) and get the system backflushed and hoses checked. Consider a new radiator. The brown coolant and brown hose is a indication of a overheating event in the past and all the dormant crud has been disturbed.
Try and get to a recommended garage from other forum members.

[M 80NGD]

I think you must certainly have a coolant leak. Before you do much else find a garage that knows how to service a Bongo cooling system (really knows) and get the system backflushed and hoses checked. Consider a new radiator. The brown coolant and brown hose is a indication of a overheating event in the past and all the dormant crud has been disturbed.
Try and get to a recommended garage from other forum members.

I'm sure the great pretender will be here soon to sort your problem out HE is the best!!!!!!!!!

[M 80NGD]

I think you must certainly have a coolant leak. Before you do much else find a garage that knows how to service a Bongo cooling system (really knows) and get the system backflushed and hoses checked. Consider a new radiator. The brown coolant and brown hose is a indication of a overheating event in the past and all the dormant crud has been disturbed.
Try and get to a recommended garage from other forum members.

I'm sure the great pretender will be here soon to sort your problem out HE is the best!!!!!!!!!

Sorry.....He thinks he's the best. I will buy an alarm from Haydn,when I've got the dosh! Cheers,Lee'

[lou]

Thank you all for your replies - don't really get the last two.....

Thanks Haydn will definitely get it to the garage

[daveblueozzie]

Got it from someone on the forum - not nearby unfortunately

Why not ask the person you bought it from, for any info about the problem,
and maybe ask for some money back as a good will gesture, to help pay for the problem.
I am sure the person you bought it from would be more than willing to help you.

[Bob]

Sorry to hear of your probs Lou. definitely one for a Bongo friendly garage, unless you are techie and can do this yourself.

Very good chance the Coolant Alarm has caught this in time and wont cost to much £££.

Good luck.

[lou]

Searching for a garage as I type - very glad I had the alarm, fingers crossed it won't be too bad.

coolant was nice and blue when I got it. I do know that there has been problems with the coolant system whilst he had it and this was looked after by his local garage.

Fingers crossed it'll get sorted once and for all this time.

[The Great Pretender]

I think you must certainly have a coolant leak. Before you do much else find a garage that knows how to service a Bongo cooling system (really knows) and get the system backflushed and hoses checked. Consider a new radiator. The brown coolant and brown hose is a indication of a overheating event in the past and all the dormant crud has been disturbed.
Try and get to a recommended garage from other forum members.

I'm sure the great pretender will be here soon to sort your problem out HE is the best!!!!!!!!!

Sorry.....He thinks he's the best. I will buy an alarm from Haydn,when I've got the dosh! Cheers,Lee'

Why don’t you provide some technical input instead of negative bad-mouthing?

[lou]

nearest garage is about 16 miles away - do you think it would be safe to drive it there or would it do more damage?

[Bob]

DON'T DO IT.

There is a high chance you will completely bugger things.