should i get a new new cylinder head?

[the jonesys]

I have been troubled with my bongo since the day brought it but the main problem started when I heard air in the heater matrix so iI did not use it till I could get the thermostat done and properly bleed and it was fine again up and down the motorway no problems just occasionaly the engine was a but juddery with white smoke emissions.
I was on my way out yesterday and the van was smoking a bit so I reved it up and I heard air in the heater matrix again and it was running very poorly so that was it I left it where it was in the drive.
so its loosing water somewhere and i cant find any poor hoses and again it is smoking like anything and running very juddery making me think the head gasket is shot or the head its self is shafted.
looking in the header tank it has overheated at some point in its life combined with the white smoke I am thinking water is getting in the fuel system which points to a cracked head
should I just buy a new head and have done with it? or is there any other advice you can give me?
while i am at it i am also going to change the water pump thats one less worry too
i have already had the cam belt done and the injectors serviced all filters done amongst a lot of other work and need it fixed as i am booked to go ireland in it in 2 weeks time
also when i started it this morning a warnig light came on that said " sediment " in what looked like a picture of a sump any idea what this may be.
also where is the best place to go for a new head. there are a few on ebay claiming to be brand new with cam and valves etc for 400 quidish ready to slap on. some want your old unit which makes me think they are reconditiond ones and some dont any advice on this would be helpfull too
cheers steve

[francophile1947]

Sediment light usually means the fuel filter has trapped a load of water - possibly duff fuel from somewhere. If you're trying to run on water, it will smoke and run badly
Is it actually overheating and losing coolant?

[the jonesys]

hi no its not overheating at all and once its going it runs okay but leave it ticking over and it starts to complain and smoke a lot and generally sounds like its going to stall
it hasnt overheated because i dare not run it while it keeps loosing coolant

[francophile1947]

Undo the plug, at the bottom of the fuel filter, and see if water comes out. If so, that's possibly the reason for poor running and steam in the exhaust. If that doesn't work, it sounds like the gasket/head, but I'd have expected it to boil fairly quickly I assume there are no visible water leaks?

[mikeonb4c]

Fingers crossed it is - as franco says - water in the fuel system. Just changed my fuel filter the other day. The plug that screws in the bottom of it is a plastic 'handgrip' turnbuckle that can be undone by hand. If it appears to snag, it will be the wires running to the sensor snaggin on it - just feel and lift them clear as you don't want to force things and damage them. It should all be a lot clearer when you do it. Fuel Filter is under drivers side engine cover below and slightly behind the air filter box and hose. Good luck

[the jonesys]

there is no visable leaks and the diesel filter has only been on for about 100 miles
cheer steve

[francophile1947]

there is no visable leaks and the diesel filter has only been on for about 100 miles
cheer steve

Need only have been on for a few miles if you've got a load of contaminated fuel in your tank. It's a two minute job to check it and might save you a lot of hassle.

[the jonesys]

in the previous replies it says just undo the nut at the bottom of the filter this has just been fitted and doesnt have one to see if there is water in it it would need removing
cheers steve

[francophile1947]

in the previous replies it says just undo the nut at the bottom of the filter this has just been fitted and doesnt have one to see if there is water in it it would need removing
cheers steve

Don't understand that The wires for the sediment lamp are attached to that plastic plug/nut at the bottom of the fuel filter so, if they're not there, why did your sediment lamp come on

[kelv]

I would take it to Ian at Market Drayton if I were you, and be done with it.
A Bongo specialist not many miles away, and you with a sick Bongo.

Seems like a good fit.

[BongoMTBer]

Ian Taylor is the man! Very reasonable and good work too.

[the jonesys]

hi I have spoke to Ian and he recommended a new cylinder head at the cost of £800 plus vat I also want the water pump changing anti roll link bars fitted and track rod ends fitted which could amount to about £1200 which i could just about scratch together.talking to Ian he definatly knows what he is talking about and said he has done a fair few head replacements and i know it would be in good hands .but that would clean my bank account out and as i have a ferry booked for the 22nd for a two week touring holiday in ireland i could do with that staying where it is for emergencys.
so I have a very competent mechanic friend who is willing to strip it down to investigate the problem and get a compession test and maybe have it skimmed if needed and then if it is as the head is shafted replace that too [there are some on ebay for £260 with head gasket and glow plugs deliverd in 24 hours ]
and that may save me upto £700
so i think i will let him try first
cheers steve

[BongoMTBer]

Good luck Steve.

ARB bushes and links are a 1 spanner DIY job You are more than welcome to bring it down this way and I can help you/show you how to do them. Give me a shout anytime.

Sam.

[francophile1947]

there are some on ebay for £260 with head gasket and glow plugs deliverd in 24 hours ]

Be very careful with the cheap heads off Ebay They have been known to be a very bad fit and you really do need the genuine Mazda head gasket.

[kelv]

Yes, the cheapest option initially isn't always the least expensive in the medium term
That's often the case.
Best of luck whatever route you go.