more overheating problems

[nickrob]

Guys - suggestions please! I've just driven to Portugal in my 97 diesel AFT. No problems. Got here and heard a horrible noise from under the bonnet on the left (radiator header tank?) followed shortly after by increase in water temp, fans on etc - managed to come to halt before complete overheat. Check header - no water, topped up and squeezed large water pipe and lots of air from system. All then Ok but after 2 trips totalling 15 miles, header tank blowing off (!), more overheating and 2 litre top up. Just had head and gasket done so not that and can't see any obvious leaks. Any thoughts???

[francophile1947]

If the header tank was empty, you must bleed the system properly to get rid of all the air - there is a fact sheet on the subject and many posts (especially by Haydn Callow) detailing the correct procedure.
Hopefully that will solve the immediate problem, but what caused it to overheat in the first place? - check for leaks from hoses, water pump etc. Hopefully, it's not the head gasket again Do you have a low coolant alarm fitted?

[mikeonb4c]

The head gasket may just have been done, but if the block wasn't flatted off properly, sealant used (see Simon Jones advice on this) then I wonder if it might have gone again. Garage should be answering questions if so?

[nickrob]

Thanks for the replies, fellers. I am putting my faith in the garage in Portsmouth recommended here that the head was done properly - I am just praying its not that again as I'm not sure how familiar any local guys are with the Bong! Have today topped up with about half a pint of water and done another 20 miles with no problem. My intention is to get a local English speaking mechanic to presure test and flush, with the help of the factsheet, and see where that takes us. I'll keep you posted!

[francophile1947]

Fingers crossed Keep an eye on the fluid level, as trapped air may escape while you're doing little trips.

[Doone]

You definitely need to bleed it. But obviously you also need to find out why this is happening. Did they change anything else when they did the head, and why was the head changed initially?

[nickrob]

Thanks again for your input guys. The head was changed cos there was oil leaking from one side. The guys at Owl had the head skimmed and replaced all gaskets and bolts etc - they seemed to know what they are doing bongowise. I don't know the cause of the initial overheating - it happened on a very short journey and I have only topped up with 2 1/2 litres since and have done about 40 miles - although gently. On the positive side, done about 20 miles today without incident and very, very slight coolant loss and no overheating. On the more worrying side, when starting, even from warm, there is a puff of white smoke and only fires on 3 cylinders for about 10 seconds. Fingers still crossed, will get it checked Monday. Sorry to drone on!!!

[Doone]

You're not droning on, you're worried. Definitely get it checked out and let us know how it goes.

[nickrob]

Very kind. My english speaking mechanic, Dylan seems to think there is nothing serious, maybe an airlock. He's going to check it later this week - I'll keep you posted, if you haven't slipped into a coma yet!! Lost a bet with my partner that there wouldn't be another Bongo down here.......... and what do you know - a green N reg parked next door!!

[scanner]

The head was changed cos there was oil leaking from one side.

I hate to tell you this - but unless it was a serious leak (i.e. using as much oil as diesel) ALL the heads I've seen seem to leak - the one on mine does.

and for that a head change seems to be a bit OTT.

[missfixit70]

Fingers crossed, but if it is/was an airlock you need to find out why, check if there's a pinhole leak, loose hose connection weeping etc, worth doing a simple pressure test - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... st#p392685 to make sure the system's tight.
Did you bleed it after topping up? are both heaters running hot? I'd be wary of driving it until it's been checked, especially if you're relying on an unmodified (dumbed down) temp gauge to tell you anything useful, it'll sit at 11 o clock all day while it's quietly cooking away, by the time it's moved it's got very hot. There's a mod that can be done to resensitise it that just involves a resistor & a bit of snipping & soldering - http://www.enginesaver.com.au/Tempgauge.pdf .

[haydn callow]

Most Bongos look as though the head is leaking (drivers side towards the front........) 99/100 it is not oil but EGR gunge and nothing to worry about......unless you were getting through a lot of oil I would think the head change was a waste of time and in fact may be the cause of your present problems......Was it a Bongo experienced garage that came up with the "oil leak/change the head" ??

[nickrob]

Looks like what ever it was has rectified itself - did 100 miles yesterday with one or 2 big hills and all seems ok. My guy down here will be checking it out properly tomorrow. The head issue was pointed out by a bongo experienced garage, recommended on this website!! Once it's sorted, I'm going to sell it anyway as I am having some difficulty insuring it locally for a year and my uk insurance runs out mid may!! Good planning eh?

[Jacobus]

Well I cannot help with your heating problems but by my count that makes at least 4 N reg Bongos green coloured if that is the colour of yours on the Algarve including the Surfer guy and ourselves or at least somewhere near Lagos ?

Why can you not insure via the internet you can have yuor Docs including Cert of Insurance emailed to you. Jacobus.