Bongo Fury

Would you expect this to drop very gradually over time (or does this suggest a minor leak)?

Suggests a minor leak, unless there's been a recent full or partial coolant refill (drained off to well below the header tank bottom level), in which case a small amount of spontaneous air bleeding may still be going on. Check for leaks, watch it like a hawk and don't let the header tank drain down far, whatever you do - that way leads to air locks, overheating, hot spots and, in extremis, a cracked cylinder head. Read up low coolant alarms - use the search facility on this forum (at "board index" level).

How gradual do you mean? Surely few cooling systems as big and complicated as a bongo's will be absolutely 100% tight? My bongo has used perhaps a very dainty teacup of coolant per 6 months for the last 4 years.

Bert wrote:Would you expect this to drop very gradually over time (or does this suggest a minor leak)?

Try the cheap option first. Have a good rummage around the pipework, looking for any aftermarket Jubilee Clips that have been fitted. Chances are there will be a few, any that have been there for some time will need a quarter turn to nip them up.

That cured my 3 year long niggle.

nfn wrote:How gradual do you mean? Surely few cooling systems as big and complicated as a bongo's will be absolutely 100% tight? My bongo has used perhaps a very dainty teacup of coolant per 6 months for the last 4 years.

ive had mine nearly 3 years now and 25000 miles later have still not had to top mine up yet
but still check it evert few days or before a long run

Same here - Touch Wood of course . I have had mine nearly 3years and 21k miles and apart from a tablespoon when the low coolant alarm was fitted I have never needed to top up.

This is a 95 Bongo, now past its 15th birthday, so good going for an oldie .

Ron Miel wrote: Read up low coolant alarms - use the search facility on this forum (at "board index" level).

I've got one - that's how I knew the level had dropped.........

They do work !!

Just found this after posting a similar issue.

You may find this interesting
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=45192