Bongo Fury

I am currently in Rhodes on hols. with my Bongo, about to return 15 Nov and have now discovered a serious leak from a metal pipe leading to engine comp. from direction of Rad. I have noticed fluctuations in temp gauge. Now this! Problem is: parts availability here and someone reliable to do job. Pipe is below driver's side about 12" from body panel, there is a connection to rubber pipe with clip. Have read posts re similar/same prob. What is name for pipe? Appreciate any help.

ARRBEE wrote:I am currently in Rhodes on hols. with my Bongo, about to return 15 Nov and have now discovered a serious leak from a metal pipe leading to engine comp. from direction of Rad. I have noticed fluctuations in temp gauge. Now this! Problem is: parts availability here and someone reliable to do job. Pipe is below driver's side about 12" from body panel, there is a connection to rubber pipe with clip. Have read posts re similar/same prob. What is name for pipe? Appreciate any help.

If its a corroded pipe to the rear heater then given your situation and the likelihood that corrosion near the t-junction is the cause then, given your situation, the best option might be getting the rusted portion cut out and a repair made using a suitable metal t-piece, joined to originals with suitable car hose pipe and jubilee clips. That is what my mechanic Adrian at JapanDirect does for most people. Alternatively, you could just cap off the circuit to the rear heater. You'll have of course to get the Bongo bled properly when coolant system refilled, so check out videos on youtube or get hold of advice sheet in members area. Don't like the sound of the temp gauge fluctuating. Was it doing that before the leak was spotted? has coolant every dropped below level of header thank? Have you got European road recovery cover in case problems can't be sorted? Good luck, keep us posted.

Thanks for reply. Yes I have European cover, but hoped not having to go down that route| Temp gauge fluc. obviously because of leak getting worse. Will try your suggestion re cutting out faulty section of pipe and replacing! Cheers

Hi
What is the approximate diameter of the metal pipe, so that we can be sure that the pipe you are talking about is the right one. If it's the one that goes to the radiator, it's not the same one that Mike's talking about....Mike is referring to the one by the sill on the driver's side.
The pipe going to the radiator is no. 15-19X in this diagram :- http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#20
The smaller pipe by the sill is 61-2D1 in this diagram :- http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... mgno=.html
You should be able to get either pipe from : http://www.mazdabongo.com/catalog/
Normally Ian would be your best bet from the Club Shop, but he's on Hols at the moment, but the shop suggested will do express delivery by courier!
Good luck on your quest!
Cheers
Helen

As Mike says, the bleed process is vital.

Hope you get sorted soon, and welcome to the Forum.

Replace it with rubber hose would save waiting for a replacement metal pipe
When mine goes again I will replace it with rubber hose tie wrapped onto the old metal pipe all the way along
If the tee peace under drivers seat has gone make a new one with 15mm copper pipe and tee
Join with jubilee clips
Mines been on for a couple of years now

bit of bike inner tube abd several jubillee clips might hold it till home

have a read of this mate, it shows a way of making a temp repair to the coolant system.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =0#p571797

Thanks to all for your suggestions and remedies. Sorry not replied b4 this, was running around like the proverbial as the said pipe split badly after my post and I was then forced to rearrange ferries etc for return to uk. Found a good local mechanic who welded said pipe and tested system for journey. I have just returned to Scotland with no problems. Will now have to look at all rust issues and remedy. Cheers

Well done, and thanks for the update.

Glad you got sorted and got home ok

Brian

Great to hear you made it back safely. Sounds like someone out there knew how to bleed a Bongo properly. Yes I think old Bongos need to be inspected and maintained like old aeroplanes: before stuff happens rather than after. But otherwise, there's no reason why they should safely be used to range far and wide.

P.S. I don't think we ever asked, but I assume yours is a diesel?

Yes, it's a diesel and apart from keeping my eyes firmly fixed on the temp gauge on the journey the old girl performed well. Cheers all