Bongo Fury

Hi all,

I noticed some liquid on m drive after driving the van the
other day. On further inspection it appear to come from
the radiator at the top where the joint is. I cleaned the liquid off the front of the radiator and ran the van again. The liquid came back. Can I assume I now need a new radiator? If so which ones are ok? I see euro parts have some for £80. Also will the van need bleeding? I would have taken the van to wheelquick but I don't want to risk the drive. Does anyone know of any trusted garages in Blackpool, Preston, or Lytham St Anne's area?
Bit relucrant to use my usual garage.

Thanks in advance.

Common problem, I had to have a new one 2 years ago. If you can get data for various makes, recommend paying extra for one with better cooling performance as your Bongo will appreciate it when working hard.

Pukka Mazda ones (assuming you're auto) are about £215.00 + VAT. A Mazda dealer (like Warrington Mazda) will get you one. Then you know it's right

Our original (presumably Mazda) had a split in the outlet stub which wasn't apparent until removed form the vehicle.

The more common fault is the top (plastic) section coming adrift from the centre section. New rad for sure

Definitely a full bleed. Also the bottom section of the rad (assuming auto) includes the ATF cooling rad, so it's not a 5-minute job to change. While you're at it, when was the fan switch, thermostat & pump changed etc

Looks like the top section. The other parts mentioned have never been
Changed as far as I know. We have a local dealer but the prices I imagine would be steep.

Any decent garage can deal with changing the radiator.....however the bleeding process is so important you cannot risk it not being done properly.
If your expansion tank has not emptied due to the leak I personally would top it up to full line and drive it, checking every few miles and topping up as required. If you have a low coolant alarm fitted top up every time it goes off.
If the tank has been empty then do not drive it at all....topping up will not help as air will be in the system

lancyman wrote:Looks like the top section. The other parts mentioned have never been
Changed as far as I know. We have a local dealer but the prices I imagine would be steep.

As Haydn says, you can drive it a short way if it's not emptied the system. Broadway Garage in Blackpool have done this before and they know the bleeding method (01253-349074). And if you need a radiator in a hurry then as long as you order one online before tomorrow (Monday) morning via the Bongo Fury Shop we can get it out to you or the garage within the next few days. We stock after market versions or genuine Mazda ones.

Hi haydn

I have a temp alarm that you gave me and one of your lca's. The tank hasn't emptied so I will take your advice.
Am I right in thinking that if the garage has a pela pump that would do for bleeding? I'll have a call round some garages tomorrow see what I can do.

Thanks Ian. I will get in touch with Broadway as that's not far from me. Gives me peace of mind that you know they can bleed bongos properly. Cheers.

if you get one of ians rads ian can deliver it here and i will fit it and bleed it for you.

you may want to take muzes advice and swap the stat and the fan switch and maybe the water pump too, may give you a full summer of fun without hickups.

Hi northern bongolo. Where abouts in Lancashire are you? Just concerned about driving the van too far. I will have a think re other parts. Have to wait till after pay day next week though. Thanks.

Northern Bongolow wrote:if you get one of ians rads ian can deliver it here and i will fit it and bleed it for you.

you may want to take muzes advice and swap the stat and the fan switch and maybe the water pump too, may give you a full summer of fun without hickups.

Indeed, there can be no finer breath of fresh air on your pride & joy

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 37&t=67347

i will pm you my whereabouts.

if the rad is leaking at the top only, any air entering when cooing down will be pushed into the expansion tank safely this is ok for a local trip as long as you keep an eye on the level. the problems arise when its a bit further to the garage, the pressure will build and force out water out of the leak point so not a good idea to go far.

i will come to you and fit it.


cheers paul, happy new year to you and your family mate,

haydn callow wrote:Any decent garage can deal with changing the radiator.....however the bleeding process is so important you cannot risk it not being done properly.
If your expansion tank has not emptied due to the leak I personally would top it up to full line and drive it, checking every few miles and topping up as required. If you have a low coolant alarm fitted top up every time it goes off.
If the tank has been empty then do not drive it at all....topping up will not help as air will be in the system

This is exactly what I did, and was just one of the many times my LCA proved extremely useful. Took the pressure out of the situation.

Northern bongolo if you could come here that would be
amazing. I'll pay for your fuel and time.

Love this site everyone is so helpful.

lancyman wrote:Hi haydn

I have a temp alarm that you gave me and one of your lca's. The tank hasn't emptied so I will take your advice.
Am I right in thinking that if the garage has a pela pump that would do for bleeding? I'll have a call round some garages tomorrow see what I can do.

No, a Pela Pump is not for bleeding the cooling system, however this now seems to be well in hand.