Radiator

[missfixit70]

Make sure they replace the stat too (unless they already have - you only said they'd replaced rad) if this isn't working right, it'll just go again. Any decent garage should have replaced it anyway IMO.

[mikeonb4c]

Why not point the garage at Ian, then they can warranty the work - simplez

Spot on

But woa there! Since - as Kirsty implies in her later post - the underlying causes need also to be fixed, why not get a new thermostat put in first and see what if any effect that has (you might get lucky and that is all that was wrong). You can then proceed to stage 2 if need be.

I get the slightest feeling that this garage may not be doing quite the thinking a Bongonaut would like to see it doing on your Bongos behalf. A pity there isn't a Bongo-passionate mechanic nearby

Still, if we all keep a gentle hand on their shoulder, they may not take offence and may graduate to that select band of Bongo-competent servicing outfits......

[missfixit70]

It sounds like it's beyond a stat solving it, but it needs replacing as a precaution if nowt else if a new heads going on, I wouldn't assume they'll replace - make sure they do.

[Hippotastic]

its in the garage now, thay came and picked it up this morning, and they have confirmed that the radiator has gone. I have asked for the stat to be changed as well and they are reckoning a quick turnaround. I am pleased so far, but lets see when it comes back. Price seems reasonable too.

The radiator and stat were done together. Only thing left to allow over heating I guess is the head gasket? Anyone offer any other reason?

[missfixit70]

its in the garage now, thay came and picked it up this morning, and they have confirmed that the radiator has gone. I have asked for the stat to be changed as well and they are reckoning a quick turnaround. I am pleased so far, but lets see when it comes back. Price seems reasonable too.

The radiator and stat were done together. Only thing left to allow over heating I guess is the head gasket? Anyone offer any other reason?

Confusion here between cause & effect IMO
There are many possible causes of overheating: Stat, rad leak or blockage/silting up, catastrophic leak -hose or pipe failure, pinhole leak leading to possible airlocks, leaking or blocked heater matrix, Turbo, waterpump, pressure cap seal, etc, etc. The head &/or gasket can just "go", but I reckon in a lot of cases it is an effect of the overheating rather than a cause.

[mikeonb4c]

its in the garage now, thay came and picked it up this morning, and they have confirmed that the radiator has gone. I have asked for the stat to be changed as well and they are reckoning a quick turnaround. I am pleased so far, but lets see when it comes back. Price seems reasonable too.

The radiator and stat were done together. Only thing left to allow over heating I guess is the head gasket? Anyone offer any other reason?

Confusion here between cause & effect IMO
There are many possible causes of overheating: Stat, rad leak or blockage/silting up, catastrophic leak -hose or pipe failure, pinhole leak leading to possible airlocks, leaking or blocked heater matrix, Turbo, waterpump, pressure cap seal, etc, etc. The head &/or gasket can just "go", but I reckon in a lot of cases it is an effect of the overheating rather than a cause.

indeed

[The Great Pretender]

I'm confused from Hippos first post, how can the rad have "gone" if the top was hot as coolant was still flowing through it?
I'm confused why the garage can't check for head problems as there is a kit that fits in place of the pressure cap that changes colour when there is exhaust gas present.
Am I expecting to much from the garage?

[Hippotastic]

i guess when he said that the water pressure kept pushing the water out of the system whilst doing the gas test it was not allowing that thing to work. I am at a place now where i want a new head, radiator and stat and let them sort the rest under warranty. I declined having the head tested, for it was half the cost of a new one. And then i would need to buy one anyhow for peace of mind. So i am waiting to hear the price of the part before conpleting the works. I want to keep the van for a good while so i want piece of mind that if something is causing the problems that the big cost things are covered.

[Hippotastic]

I have to say actually I put it in the garage with a strong feeling that it was going to be a head problem. I have just got a feel for the van and felt it was sick. I agree with Kirsty completely about the minor cause creating a big issue, and if they change the parts as described, it will cost me money, but they are going to have to get to the bottom of it before giving it back to me. I have systematicaly changed a lot of parts on that bongo for my own piece of mind, and with the water works renewed and the head sorted anew, it should last me a few years. And then I should be able to relax and get back to enjoying my Bongo.

I just hope some X3 wielding idiot does not rear end me two weeks later and write it off after all this...

[Hippotastic]

well the price has risen now to £2500. I do not understand where they want £800 for a head, with no bolts or gasket. I am now asking why this garage is on the recommended list at all?

[missfixit70]

£2.5k sounds a bit bl88dy steep to me, I suspect they think they've got you over a barrel.

[Doone]

Exactly what are you getting for £2500?

[missfixit70]

Exactly what are you getting for £2500?

Fleeced?

[rita]

Exactly what are you getting for £2500?

They might be filling it up with Diesel.

[Alacrity]

Move the car or at least threaten to. There are guys in my trade that quote cheap to get the car in, then when the transmission is apart they go back to the customer to say this or that is shot & that wasn't expected so now it will be more money. They bank on the fact people won't stand up to them & take the car away. I quote a fixed price which may be more money, but that is what it will cost. It is however, very satisfying when a customer does pull it out of a 'rogue' rebuilder & brings it to us because we are now cheaper. Please don't think I am saying this guy is a rogue, I am not, but it is expensive & the price is creeping ever upwards.