new hoses or not worth it?

[andyb36]

hi all.....being a newbie and having my bongo for only 3 months. i would like to hear from any one who has replaced their water hoses.......how much and where from.......to be honest after reading about overheating issues and coolant loss, i do check my coolant levels and keep my eye on the temperature gauge,,, whilst im out and about.......the previous owner jim did a very exellent job of maintenance and never slacked on servicing etc, and from a main dealership ( a honda dealership ? ) strange choice of garage but if your happy i understand.... but i would feel a bit more comfortable if i did change to more modern strengthened hoses and had the system flushed and new coolant added...........my worry is , because its running like a dream and doesnt budge more than a 1/3rd on the temp scale,,,,if i have something done, i might disturb something or be asking for hassle and trouble....you know the saying, if it aint broke !!!! but i supposse it wouldnt harn to get someone to look and see if any are in poor condition.....but back to 1st point,.,,,hoses,,, where from and how much ????? thanks andy

[francophile1947]

Silicon hoses available from Flippa - send him a PM.

[Harry]

Having had several 'episodes' of leaky hoses (rotten) on my 1996 bongo I would replace all my hoses if I had the dosh and had the time (the van is in daily business use and downtime=lost income).

In each case I've managed to stop before any major damage occured.

As is is I keep a constant lookout for leaks, watch my temp guage like a hawk and check my coolant levels daily.

H

[Peg leg Pete]

Good advice Harry

[ULRICH]

I would agree, all rubber hoses have a 'life' and twelve years is about it. If you cant replace yourself get a garage to do it, but do it if you can afford it. It will save you loads of hassle and money as time goes on.

[mikeonb4c]

Got to admit I've gone for a risk management strategy. Fitted low coolant warning alarm and have done visual inspection of hoses in an attempt to assess (and I've passed them as OK). If my assessment is wrong (which it will eventually be!) the low coolant alarm is my insurance. May change them when next coolant change is due.

[brorabongo]

May change them when next coolant change is due.

Thats exactly what I'm planning to do, Fingers cross this summer.

[scanner]

and keep my eye on the temperature gauge,,,

because its running like a dream and doesnt budge more than a 1/3rd on the temp scale,,,

Unless you (or Jim) have fitted a Mason alarm, which modifies and improves the sensitivity and accuracy of the standard temperature gauge, all it will ever indicate is 1/3rd until it overheats,

Don't rely on the standard temp gauge to tell you anything.

[ULRICH]

The problem I have found with hoses in the past that it happens usually from the inside out, with the wall of the hose being eroded from within. I have replaced all the hoses available that I can and fitted an alarm, as Mike states, for insurance on the remainder. The visual is a good idea but the feelie check is also worth while, if the hose is eroded internally it will have little wall structure and will be very soft to the touch. In saying this, most hose erosion occurs where the internal turbulence is, at the joints, but a squeeze will still give a good indication of wear.
The 'comfort zone' is to replace all hoses and fit an alarm. Then apply the risk management as you do with all else on the Bongo. then...