Bongo Fury

Hello all fellow Bongonauts! Thinking of fitting a LCA to Bernie, checked in with two local garages (listed) both said that drilling into 18 year old header tank not recommended due to the brittle nature of the header tanks at this age, just wondered what the views of you guys are? Sorry if this sounds a dumb question but how would you prevent the "swarf" contaminating the coolant during the drilling of sensor hole?. One last question, did Bongo's ever have a factory fitted LCA. Thanks in anticipation. Paul.
P.S is checking of coolant and pipework enough to avoid head cooking an the absence of an LCA?

Hi Paul

Only my opinion, but I don't think Bongos were factory fitted with LCAs.

Regarding swarf, the helix of the bit should move it outwards as you drill, and I think if the plastic was too brittle to drill the header tank would fail anyway.

Checking coolant on the drive won't warn you of loss as you're driving. Obviously good sense to keep an eye on things, but I like the LCA in addition, and it's certainly saved my engine once.

Bob wrote: Sat Jan 12, 2019 11:07 pm Hi Paul

Only my opinion, but I don't think Bongos were factory fitted with LCAs.

Regarding swarf, the helix of the bit should move it outwards as you drill, and I think if the plastic was too brittle to drill the header tank would fail anyway.

Checking coolant on the drive won't warn you of loss as you're driving. Obviously good sense to keep an eye on things, but I like the LCA in addition, and it's certainly saved my engine once.

Welcome, and I agree with Bob on all his points. Maybe the garage just don't want the responsibility of something novel by way of a procedure

BernieBongo1955 ,

It is a well known fact that some " bongo friendly " garages refuse to fit this "Type" of alarm to theses vehicles for various reasons. Its a matter of taking a chance if you so wish as a DIY .Personally I would Fit a temperature gauge that is in direct contact with the coolant, these can be obtained with an alarm function.


Take Care.

Hi, well over 5000 header tanks have had their 20 year old headers tanks drilled to fit one of these types of alarms....there has been no reported problems....these old tanks are not brittle, they are very thick and robust.....not fitting a alarm could be a expensive mistake...
If you want one of ours which most peeps think are the best....ring H Q and ask for ‘Dad’s discount’

A big thanks for all your responses. Definitely going for the LCA! Great to have the Bongo community to refer to
Happy travels...... Paul