Bongo Fury

Hi all,

I've had a loss of heating in my Bongo for 2-3 weeks now, and being pretty ignorant to basic mechanics thought that this might just be a blown fuse or something minor.

Anyway, I thought today would be just a good a day as any to check my fluids etc, and have noticed that my coolant tank appears to be completely empty. I feel a fool for not keeping an eye on this before, but then there you go. Live and learn.

I've read lots of previous posts on coolant/coolant alarms, but I was just wondering what my next steps should be. Obviously I have taken my Bongo off the road until I get this sorted...

From what I've read, it seems that it may not be as easy for me to just top-up with coolant - is it necessary to bleed the system as well?

Now as I said above, I'm no mechanic by any means, but I can just about master an oil change and I'm not scared of getting my hands dirty, so will I be able to manage a bleed? I've taken I look at the fact sheet, so there are a few methods there - can anyone reccomend which might be the easiest?

I've only had the Bongo since July, and its fluid levels were fine then, so I guess I must have a leak also...

And before anyone mentions it - I sure am going to get a coolant alarm as soon as I can afford it - I'm out of work at the minute, hence me trying to do things myself.

Thanks in advance guys...

Welcome dude (timmyK ) if I've not welcomed you before!

I've been out of work, not many years back. A bit of DIY helps the soul and the pocket.

I don't see why you can't do a bleed yourself (lucky escape by the way, not boiling your engine). You'll need the factsheet from the Members Area (if not a member, ask Ian the Bongomeister if we have a policy for peeps out of work!). I personally think it is less stressful with someone to help you, simply so you don't have to run to and fro topping up the header ttank while keeping an eye on coolant and air bubbling out the bleed pipe. I did mine (on my own) and lived to tell the tale, and I'm not mechanical guru!

Good luck

Mike

Don't know where you are located timmy but someone might be able to assist if you tell us.

Fluid levels need to be checked more regularly than that on these ol' buses, as you've found out! It's essential you now bleed the system beacuse IMO its in the heater systems that the airlock problems are created and yours are obviously empty - hopefully you won't have damaged anything.

Several schools of thought on the bleeding procedure - I find the way the Factory tells you works just fine for me - all done and dusted in under half an hour.

cheers for the swift responses guys...

FYI I'm currently based in Grimsby - I usually live in Brighton, but then thats another story all together...

Does it matter much which procedure to follow when bleeding? The 'see-saw' method looks the easiest to me, considering my limited resources...

Just another couple of quick questions - as the system is empty, I presume it doesnt really matter which coolant I use? Also, how much coolant shall I get for the procedure - I read about 7 litres somewhere?

thanks again...

First thing I'd question is why is the system empty?
I wouldn't waste antifreeze just yet until you've found the reason. Check all the hoses, rad, waterpump etc for obvious or less obvious signs (bulges etc) of leakage before doing any thing.
Empty it flush it, refill just with water & bleed it, see if you can spot a leak, once you are satisfied it's not leaking, drain the water out a litre (or a header tank full) at a time & refill with coolant. system takes 13.5 litres in total, dilution of the concentrate is recommended 50%, so 7litres is more than enough. Personally I use 5 litres & reckon it's enough at 37% . Don't leave it for more than a day IMO with just water in it.
Good luck

If you are not sure of the quality of the coolant I would flush out the system, check hoses and make sure you do not have any leaks, then refill the system, 50/50 mix, any help need with bleeding - just ask on the forum

Again, thanks for all the advice, however you're going to have to bare with me - I still don't know exactly what you mean when you say 'flush' and 'bleed' the system...

So to flush out the system, would I just fill the the coolant tank with water? Keep topping it up? Do I need the engine running? How about the bleed hose - I need the cap off?

Sorry for all the petty questions, but I would rather do this job myself, and do it right - save myself money, and get more confident about bits of minor work...

Cheers

The coolant sytem can and does "crud up" over time timmy,whilst searching for the leak, its as well to flush, and "backflush" the radiator, which is a well - known candidate for narrowing of pipes due to crud accumulation.

This can be done by removing one of the pipes going to the rad,and forcing a stream of water through the rad first one way, then the other,with a bit of luck,the crud will be displaced by this procedure.

Have a good old read of all the threads on bleeding and associated issues on the forum via the search facility timmy,the accumulated knowledge acquired will be invauable when the time comes to get your hands dirty!

Drop me a pm if you live in the north west,i may be able to assist you if you so desire.