radiator

[al & chris]

Just had new radiator and thermostat fitted. Just turned heating on in rear of bongo going up very steep long hill and low coolant alarm came on. Topped up when home but dropped a little again but now stable. Any chance there might be an air lock. We are up and down very steep hills all the time 1 in 6 where we live with bith hot and cold engine. Would that flush air locks out. Temp is fine at the moment but not been on any realy long runs only for more than hour or so.

[mister munkey]

Any major coolant system changes usually need a day or two of careful monitoring before the system settles. Keep a close eye on levels & heater performance over the next couple of hundred miles, any worries - take it back to where it was done armed with the Bleeding Factsheet from the Members Area.

[al & chris]

Just a little worried as going to France in 8 days time, Had rad fitted two weeks ago now but not lots of mileage done. just lots of hills.

[mister munkey]

Hmmmm.

Doesn't sound like its in 100% condition then.

Best get it checked out before a long trip.

Do you have a decent local Bongo Friendly spannerman who's familiar with the waterworks?


Edit: Ease the header tank cap off each morning - Before you start it up. You'll probably get a hiss as it lets any air out that has risen through the system overnight. After 3 or 4 days, you should find a quieter huff as it breathes out.

[al & chris]

Will try that header tank thing, up hill down hill or both. 1in 6 hill we park on.

[missfixit70]

Personally I'd bleed it to make sure, vid on youtube that may help. Is the heater blowing hot once engine is warmed up?
Has the rad got a vent pipe on the expansion cap? if so it needs blanking off, the only thing that should have a vent is the header.
Have you modified the temp gauge at all or got any other temp gauge fitted? standard gauge won't tell you anything useful TBH.

[mister munkey]

Good call Kirsty.

[al & chris]

No vent pipes on rad and heater blowing hot both rear and front.

[missfixit70]

What about the temp gauge? Mason alarm fitted by any chance?

[al & chris]

no got one but still in box only low coolant alarm fitted.

[missfixit70]

get it fitted, doesn't take long, then at least you know what's going on.

[al & chris]

Probably best just worried about soldering joints as rubbish as that. think i will have a go on Fri. Hope i dont set van on fire.

[missfixit70]

No soldering needed just three screw connections once the pod's out, simple
If heaters are blowing hot & levels holding stable, that's a promising start though.

[The Great Pretender]

Will try that header tank thing, up hill down hill or both. 1in 6 hill we park on.

Do you park facing up the hill?

[Northern Bongolow]

when you fit the mason,follow the instructions on the little sheet,BUT PLEASE DONT OVERTIGHTEN THE SCREWS just nip them.

sounds like the peeps that did the stat change didnt bleed it correctly,and left an air lock in there then it shifted itself out,and the coolant alarm flagged it as it should,if you have no leaks keep a close eye on the levels until hols time,then enjoy.
check for jubilee clips on the new rad,they should be the gen mazda spring clips on there!!!!