Bongo Fury

hi all,got a customer with a n plate bongo 2.5td auto that i have been looking after fir the last couple of years,he had problems with overheating saying the temp gauge was going up to the top,first diagnoses was a very noisy water pump,removed water pump to fing bearing shot and 2 impellers missing,any way replaced water pump refiiled coolent,found the bleed pipe just over the alternator,ran up but after 30 mins bottome rad hose still cold and rad fans cutting in but temp gauge showing arounf the 10.30 postion,so i have replaced stat and new rad,but the bottom hose is getting warm but cooiling fans still cutting in,must admit this is the only bongo i work on looked on the forum to see for any help,are the rad fans supposed to cut in and the bottom hose to be luke warm,ps oi have flushed the cooling system very brown and dirty,any help gratfull.

Hi there,

The bongo cooling system is fairly complex compared to most cars and in order for it to work properly, other than the normal rules of good components etc you must bleed it properly.

There is a factsheet on this in the members area, and also if you do a search you will find plenty of information on this. It's not difficult but it does take up to an hour.

Regarding the fans cutting in, be sure it's not the air con making them come on and confusing the issue. Also remember that this car has a rear heating system as well (could well be reason bleeding so time consuming).

If the coolant is brown and nasty, and also the header tank is gunky it's not a good sign that the system has been well maintained.

Hopefully someone who knows more will be along shortly to comment.

Hope this helps.

Hi,thanks for the repley,the aircon is off already checked that,when the cooling fans come on and turn the engine off you cant take the cap of the header tank want too throw some water out,but will have a look more into the bledding side of it many thanks.

sounds like you have air in your system fella.......

hi,i cant seem to get any more air out of the bleed pipe,constant flow of water,never known such a pain of a cooling system this is in my 23 years.i will not rush to go near another one.

D&A wrote:hi,i cant seem to get any more air out of the bleed pipe,constant flow of water,never known such a pain of a cooling system this is in my 23 years.i will not rush to go near another one.

Sent you a PM.

hi thanks for the info will give it another try tom many thanks.

Sounds like you may be getting combustion gases in the cooling system.