Bongo Fury

The other week my 1995 automatic overheated and lost all its water. I got it to my local garage (who I use lots and trust). They found a leak in the waterpump (I had a feeling there was one). Anyway they replaced the waterpump, but it was still over heating and the heaters were blowing cold. So they sent the radiator off for testing and found that I needed a new one of them. This was also fitted, they road tested it and all seemed well. Until I loaded up the kids and took them out sunday morning - it overheated again. The AA came. He said there was still air in the system, the radiator wasn't warm yet the temp dial was off the scale. He bled some air out, got the temperature stabilised and the Bongo limped home. I called the garage this morning and he said he is at a bit of a loss as to what to do next, apart from sending the head away for testing for a crack, but he doesn't really believe there is a crack in it (He said something about the colour of the water in the system, this was also something the AA man said that he didn't think there was a problem with the head). The garage suggested I see if I can find out more online, get some advice from people who know more about Bongos (By all accounts they have long pipes and are prone to air lock issues). I can't keep spending money on my baby bus and although its old it really has seen me proud and I don't want to have to get rid of it. I am hoping to get some help and reassurance from here. Many Thanks

Go to YouTube and search bleeding bongos......get this done exactly as shown ASAP , find a garage that have done bongos before ...best not to drive it until this is done

Don't know where you are based but there may be someone one forum that can come and help you properly bleed system as a first step. Radiator particularly bottom hose should be getting warm if proper bleed has been done.

Thanks, I have had a look on youtube and will tell my garage to watch it too, he will be glad of some help. He doesn't deal with Bongos everyday and trying to get all the air out has been driving him slightly bonkers by all accounts !

Tell your garage it takes about 40 mins to bleed a Bongo.......he must keep going till the bottom hose gets hot...get it wrong an it will probably overheat and crack the head......if he's already had a go and it then overheated it could already be to late.
You really need a Bongo savvy garage.
If you end up needing a new head fitting ...DO GET IT TO A bongo savvy garage

Sorry to hear of your woes. Where are you based?

I live south of Bristol, near the airport

sounds familiar,I`ve been through exactly the same symptoms eventually a cylinder head crack was found.
Expensive but worth it.Love driving my Bongo

ADS In South Liberty Lane, Ashton, are your best bet.

I'm in Nailsea, not bled a Bongo but I've seen it done. Also have a rigid tow bar if you need to get it there.

Also have a rigid tow bar if you need to get it there.

I didn't think you could tow automatics

You shouldn't !!

sallygzj wrote:I live south of Bristol, near the airport

As Bob says, ADS sound the best bet. Hope you manage to get a good result. Good luck and keep us posted.

Handbook says you can tow but 20 mph max.