New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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BE5T D4D
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New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by BE5T D4D » Tue May 31, 2022 10:40 pm

Hello

Recently purchased a 2.0 petrol 2000 X reg

I’ve looked at many different sources to try and determine what is correct, the van has a coolant alarm fitted.

From what I can see there are no leaks (I.e crystalline deposits on any pipe work), the engine has only got 56k miles on it (or 89k KM)

The coolant header tank is showing on the MIN line, just above the low coolant sensor screw

I’m not very clued up on coolant in any car, I’ve tried to research it myself about where the level should be, some results say it should be on minimum when cold, max when hot.

Some say it should be halfway between the two when cold.

Some say on the MAX line

I’ve checked my daily driver (2011 Toyota Auris), it’s between the two. Checked the family car (2016 Ford C-Max), it’s on MIN.

So that was no help!

Also, what type of coolant does the 2.0 petrol need, and what type of oil?

Cheers muchly
teenmal
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by teenmal » Tue May 31, 2022 10:53 pm

That's an easy one (cold) not above MAX and not below MIN , in the middle.
BE5T D4D
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by BE5T D4D » Tue May 31, 2022 10:54 pm

And what type of coolant ?

I understand a mix of water and antifreeze is ok
teenmal
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by teenmal » Tue May 31, 2022 11:03 pm

Are you changing coolant or just topping up.
BE5T D4D
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by BE5T D4D » Wed Jun 01, 2022 6:54 am

Topping up
TheLongRoad
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by TheLongRoad » Wed Jun 01, 2022 7:37 am

If you are just topping it up to half way between the max min I’d use Prestone. This will mix with any anti freeze. I’d just pour it in neat as that’ll increase protection.

Being the 2.0ltr engine the system self bleeds, so changing the coolant is a doddle.
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
BE5T D4D
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by BE5T D4D » Wed Jun 01, 2022 7:46 am

Ok thanks

Is it normal for it to just lose coolant over time?

Self bleed is good!
TheLongRoad
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by TheLongRoad » Wed Jun 01, 2022 8:26 am

The coolant level shouldn’t drop much. My car went five years before it needed a top up.

If you have checked there are no leaks in the Bongo, and there are many pipes and joints to check, I’d top it up and just keep an eye on it and not worry. If I had the 2.5 diesel I’d be watching it like a hawk.

Good choice on the 2.0ltr petrol - me, biased? 😬
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
BE5T D4D
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by BE5T D4D » Wed Jun 01, 2022 9:24 am

Sound that

Cheers

From what I can see there’s no sign of leaks, I’ll buy that stuff and top it up later

What oil would you recommend?
TheLongRoad
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by TheLongRoad » Wed Jun 01, 2022 11:31 am

I use Mobil 10w - 30 or 10w - 40. You’ll need 3.9 litres with the filter change (never understood why anyone would change oil and not filter). Handbook says every 15,000 km or once a year. I think Europarts stock filters for Bongos.

Have fun, it’s by doing stuff yourself that you can keep an eye on condition of bits underneath the Bongo.

Had our Bongo for four years and she’s never missed a beat.
2002 Friendee 2.0 ltr Petrol.
BE5T D4D
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Re: New Bongo owner needs advice please (2.0)

Post by BE5T D4D » Wed Jun 01, 2022 9:21 pm

Sound advice thanks

Ive bought a bottle of Prestone and topped it up to a smidge above halfway between MIN and MAX

Got a bottle of 10W40 oil in the boot too, just in case kind of thing (All oil levels have been spot on)

Thanks all
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