Head Gasket

[fairly_odd]

thats definitely worth a try but we think ours blew a while ago as there's been further damage to the head, head is needing skimmed. we're going to take the expensive route this time but if we have further problems we'll try steel seal

[Ramsey]

Well peeps what a nightmare!!!
I had to have the head changed at the garage i had it recovered to as it was in bits. They said that the head was porous and needs replacing. They did the job for £1768!!!! gutted!
The only consulation is they gave me a free courtesy car for 2 weeks.

I have lost a lot of confidence in the car and reliability of the work done as Im not sure they are great bongo mechanics.

I now have another problem!!!
When the car is slighly cold it struggles to move, almost like its in neutral. Once warm it seems to drive fine. Its like it isnt selecting the gear properly as it does creep but at full revs?
I phoned good old Allans from Plymouth (fantastic help and wish I could have got it to him in the first case) for advice and asked about the gear box oil levels but they all seem fine and quite clean (though not suprised as Al serviced it last).
Im really worried that Im going to get hit with anther big bill, xmas is going to be bleak for my family as it is and I need the car for my son who is disabled. The garage said to take it back but as I dont feel confident with them Im worried they will hit me with a big bill again?
Does anyone know that changing the head could interfere with anything else re gear box etc;

The garage had pulled the wires off hte hold switch and I couldnt be bothered to take back so soldered on myself, doubt that would have anything to do with it but shows the level work I suppose?

Oh yeah forgt to mention my mid section exhaust is blowing and needs replacing and I can smell like gas when started from cold if that has anything to do with it.


Any help as ever would be appreciated.

Thanks

Ramsey

p.s. Al thank you very much for your help mate!

[dandywarhol]

Does the hold light work? it sounds like it is trying to move off in second

[Ramsey]

Im afraid it works fine Dandy. It only happens when cold and it moves slightly and then kicks in like the clutch is been dumped, very weird.
It didnt do this prior to head changing, I just cant believe its coincidence and I come from an IT background and always acused of breaking peoples PCs as I was the last person to touch it syndrome, Im sure its not that.

[dandywarhol]

Try for a fault code by interogating the ECU Ramsay - unless the torque convertor stator is sticking

[Ramsey]

Hi Dandy, how do I do that, can I plug a laptop in somewhere with some downloadable software or is it just a garage jobbie?
I dont think its the selector as it seems to trickle power and then full power? (what would I know LOL)

Thanks

Rams

[Doone]

Ramsey you have a pm, and I hope the garage that did the work sort this out for you.

[dandywarhol]

Hi Dandy, how do I do that, can I plug a laptop in somewhere with some downloadable software or is it just a garage jobbie?
I dont think its the selector as it seems to trickle power and then full power? (what would I know LOL)

Thanks

Rams

Sorry, just picked up on your reply - In the factsheets Ramsay

[fairly_odd]

well we took the expensive route just before christmas and its done it again

lost all confidence in the bongo, dont even want to drive it as its bleeding us dry

[Ramsey]

Must admit I have lost confidence in mine. Im getting a good puff of white smoke out the back in the mornings and teh exhaust fumes stink of oil, I need to get it back to the place that replace the head asap me thinks.

[Doone]

You paid a lot of money to have this fixed and it's still not right.
You need to know if this is a new fault, or if it's related to the old problem.
Then you can make a decision on what to do next.

[Aunt Trumpet]

Must admit I have lost confidence in mine. Im getting a good puff of white smoke out the back in the mornings and teh exhaust fumes stink of oil, I need to get it back to the place that replace the head asap me thinks.

I'm a bit worried after reading these posts (and others) that people are throwing away good money on head gasket changes that possibly dont need it. I have unfortunately overheated ours several times but still managed to sort it out without an expensive gasket change. There are many reasons why a Bongo could be overheating and puffing white smoke. The dye test isn't as reliable as you think and after speaking to a Mazda technician recently, the Bongo head is considered as quite robust and not prone to undue weakness.
I don't like the thought of owners unessesarily rushing into an expensive procedure that might be avoided. This forum can sometimes whip up a hysteria about the effects of overheating when maybe calm and possitive thinking would be more helpful......just a thought....

[handyman]

Ramsey and fairly_odd.

I have been having overheating probs for some time. Faulty thermostat? I v'e changed that.

Thought it might be the head so I got some 'Seal Steel' just in case, still might have to use it but hope it's just the rad.



Have you checked the radiator?

I got mine out this weekend ( thanks to Julian 321away) and found it to be partially blocked ,bottom half blocked and have ordered one on ebay for a £100.
Lots of sludgy brown type residue in the top pipe.

Before you condem the van please look at the radiator if you have not already done so

John
.

[handyman]

Ramsey and fairly_odd.

I have been having overheating probs for some time. Faulty thermostat? I v'e changed that.

Thought it might be the head so I got some 'Seal Steel' just in case, still might have to use it but hope it's just the rad.



Have you checked the radiator?

I got mine out this weekend ( thanks to Julian 321away) and found it to be partially blocked ,bottom half blocked and have ordered one on ebay for a £100.
Lots of sludgy brown type residue in the top pipe.

Before you condem the van please look at the radiator if you have not already done so

John
.

Opps sorry, just noted the time difference. I'm a bit out of date. did'nt notice the thread started in November. You probably been through radiator check aready.

[mikexgough]

Brown sludge is usually an indication that at some point after import.......the G12 Japanese Coolant has had some G11 UK coolant added.....they do not play happily in the playground together.....
Japanese coolant is G12 OAT based and is in ALL colours..... so you can have one with green or blue coolant for example.....go to you car shop and buy some green/blue coolant that is G11..... top it up and at some stage in the future...... sludge and overheating problems......

The message needs to get across......and has yet to be gospel.....

On an import , if the coolant hasn't been changed.........only top up with water..... The best solution is to change the coolant for a UK one of whatever type as long as it is known.....

Another recommendation is a flush and also a new thermostat while the system is open.......

As for UK coolant...... yer pays yer money etc....... I am one of the G12+ Red Coolant club.....