Well I didn't expect to be posting this so soon. Gutted doesn't even begin to describe my feelings over the last 24 hours
6 weeks in, our V6 Bongo blew the rad yesterday and we had to be rescued home. Expansion tank was dry, the radiator was also dry under the rad cap - the rad looks like it's blown at the top tank on the offside, by the starter battery. Air con rad had coolant stains on the same top corner, and there was a decent amount of coolant behind and below the starter battery / air intake plumbing area. I saw nothing on the flippin' useless temperature guage, though we did note a distinctly warm smell in the cabin as we stopped. There were no dramatic steam engine impressions or any real sign anything was amiss.
I'm happy (enough...) to take on the radiator replacement on the basis that whatever else may be wrong, the rad needs changing. I've had enough of a look round to decide I can physically do it. One of the good things about the engine not being under the bonnet! I've noted the trans fluid running through the bottom of the radiator - potentially a bit messy but not a big deal.
My question(s) are - is there anything else I should be changing while the cooling system is open - the hoses all appear to be good, all the factory hose clips are in place so it's probably the original rad from 2001. Should I replace the thermostat on-spec, or any other bits? No jokes about cylinder heads please, not at this point anyway...
I've watched the famous Bongo-bleeding Youtube videos, but I don't have a diesel - is there anything easier, or more difficult about bleeding the V6's?
Your comments, gentle ribbing, shoulder-patting and hand-holding will all be gratefully received - many thanks.
for a coolant pump replacement right now; I think I'll wait for the outcome of the radiator replacement to see what other work is required. If I can bleed the system once, I'll be able to bleed it again. I haven't seen any evidence of pump leakage.
