*gulp* How much for a new head gasket?

[belly_bongo]

I only ever seem to post when it's bad news and this is the worst so far. It seems that all our overheating problems have ended up with us needing a new head gasket. Oh and the exhaust is cracked in two, which accounts for the rank smell inside the van! It's not just hot diesel engine smell.

Our local garage, who've made the diagnosis, aren't experienced with Bongos so don't want to tackle the 'header'. They will do the exhaust but it makes more sense to pay one garage for all the labour in one go as they'll be stripping it all down anyway (second mortgage here we come!!).

So, the BIG questions:-

How much should we expect to pay for a new new gasket? A ballpark figure to whisper to my 'other half' before running for cover would be great.

We're not close to any of the listed Bongo garages, living somewhere between Market Drayton, Dudley and Derby. Can anybody recommend where we should try? If there's noone local we'd rather travel a bit further and get it done 'properly' ie by someone who knows what they're doing. Will we need to have her put on a low-loader/towed to get her there?

Hey-ho. I'll probably get thrown off the forum for this but... we bought a Bongo 'cause we thought it would be more reliable than an VW type 2, and we wouldn't be spending out pots of cash on maintenance. How wrong we were...

[francophile1947]

We're not close to any of the listed Bongo garages, living somewhere between Market Drayton,

Oh yes you are - one of the best http://www.japcarimport.co.uk/ at Market Drayton - he is very highly recommended

[belly_bongo]

Sorry I didn't explain that very well. We are probably somewhere in the middle of those 3 places but that mid point is about 30 or more miles from each.

[francophile1947]

I reckon it would still be worth giving him a ring. If it can't be driven, do you have breakdown cover that can get it transported there?
If it needs a new cylinder head, you're probably looking at £1200+

[belly_bongo]

Have been Googling. Market Drayton is 50 miles away. GB Automotive at Dudley is 29 miles. Sadly my breakdown cover is only the get-you-home-or-to-the-nearest-garage type of cover.

I'll go and retrieve it from the local boys and get the full diagnosis then I'll make a battle plan. In your wisdom and experience would I be better to travel the extra 20 miles?

[francophile1947]

I've never heard of GB Automotive, so can't really comment on whether or not it would be worth it - all I know is that Ian Taylor has an excellent reputation. Hopefully somebody with more local knowledge will be along shortly

[belly_bongo]

Aaarrgghh!! Got it back. Verdict - when it comes to Bongos they don't really know an awful lot at that garage.

They let it run to get warm and it started spitting water out everywhere. He let it run to warm up and "the fan kicked in at about half way". Basically they are pretty sure it's the head gasket, but said that someone who knows more about them might find it's the thermostat not working properly or something else.

Hmm... Clear as mud.

[dobby]

Hi Belly Bongo

We live over in Stafford, our head went last year and Ian Taylor - Japcarimport fixed it. Give him a ring and see if he can sort out a recovery deal for you. I think he has a good contact that can help.

I got ours to him via Greenflag, they agreed because it was the only specialist garage I would let repair it.

If it is the head that has gone it will be expensive but Ian has a sensible pricing arrangement. Treat it as an investment, it means that the Bongo will be fine for the future or you can confidently sell it etc.

[mister munkey]

Ball park around £400 for a head gasket replacement - Done properly . . . .

[haydn callow]

Make sure the cylinder head is checked ,

[Northern Bongolow]

hi dont be to quick to rip the head off it.get it to someone who can check it properly for you,you may be pleasantly surprised. good luck

[mikeonb4c]

hi dont be to quick to rip the head off it.get it to someone who can check it properly for you,you may be pleasantly surprised. good luck

2nd that - it isn't over until the Fat Lady has been to the specialist for the source of her leaks to be investigated. Her head could be fine, but her plumbing dodgy

[belly_bongo]

Thanks for that. The mechanic who diagnosed the problem did say it might be something other than the head, but that's what everything was pointing to. I get the feeling he was telling me in a roundabout way that he didn't know what was really wrong with it and to take it to someone who did.

Would love to take it to Market Drayton but it's over 50 miles away! I don't think it's going to be a done-in-a-day job so the logistics of traveling back and forth would be a bit difficult. However, BONGODADDY has suggested a good garage in Wolverhampton which is a bit closer to home. Going to give them a ring I think.