Coolant thoughts please!

[LS&A]

Okay bear with me...setting the scene.

About a week ago I was cruising at about 2200rpm, water temp was stable at the 11 o clock position. I selected the air source on the heater (manual type) to recirc. After a short time the water temp rose quickly to V High, after a momentary delay I was just about to pull over when the water temp just as quickly returned to normal. In this time I had also unconsciously returned the air source selection to fresh air.

I continued on my journey..parked up, did what I needed to do and a few hours later returned to the Bongo. I returned home and this journey was uneventful, after warming up the water temp remained at the 11 o'clock position. I did however think that the blown heater air was cold.

On parking at home I checked under the bonnet and saw a fine jet of water coming from under the air intake. The jet was hitting the pipes leading from the expansion tank. I released the expansion tank cap, the coolant jet stopped immediately and there was a gurgling.

The next morning I bleed the system using the correct method. Quite a lot of air came out of the bleed pipe and I added about 2 litres of coolant. Since then I have used the Bongo numerous times without incident and have checked the coolant levels before every journey....there has been no change in the coolant level!

Thoughts please.

[scanner]

More info needed

Has the temp gauge been modified to give a meaningful reading? or is it still as standard?

[helen&tony]

Hi
Simple...The air source is just a cable that moves a flap to direct air - nothing to do with your problem. Don't drive until you've found the leak. If you take the air intake off, your leak sounds like a hose. Look at all of them to see if there is a dried coolant stain, and replace. If it was hitting the other hoses, it may be a hose that sits lower than the rest. Check all 5 hoses under the bonnet, and the top seam on the radiator , which is a favourite. You'll have to remove the heater fan to get at the heater hoses.
Cheers
Helen

[windywatson]

Hi,

Ther fine jet of watert is likley to be a minor leak like a pin prick in a hose. This type of leak compaired to a split is likley to re-seal itself on occassions, or be less visable if the temprature/pressure is low.
As per other advise, You need to find that leak before it becomes a split.

Cheers

[LS&A]

Thanks everyone, I've tried reproducing the jet and can't. I think I'll end up stripping the system and see what I find.

[helen&tony]

Hi
If you are sure it's a hose, then I'd replace every one that's under the bonnet....they are presumably original, and they'll only give trouble somewhere along the line, and you'll end up having to do the job again. You will undoubtedly need to replace the rest of them at some time as well!
Cheers
Helen