V6 bongo, expansion tank won't stay at full level.

[A1tony]

Strange one this (to me at least)
Bought my bongo 2 weeks ago and noticed the coolant sat at half way between the marks. Topped it up and checked it yesterday and it's back where it was. So far it's had about half a litre in 800 miles. No obvious signs of loss, no contamination to suggest heads. Just wondered if it's my cars way of saying it's full !! It was serviced before I got it (just after import) and I am wondering if they drained it and put anti freeze in and thus just purging.
Since i am on LPG too, it needs to be right !
T

[mister munkey]

Sounds like a weep from somewhere.

Mine used to get through about a pint a week for the first two years of ownership until it was traced to a badly fitted clamp on one of the rear heater hoses.

There are at least 16 hoses & a few metal pipes where a tiny leak could be almost undetectable, as long as you are aware & keep on top of it making certain that it doesn't drop too low, it'll be fine to drive in the medium term. You can get UV dye to stick in the system which will help to find the culprit.

A low coolant alarm would be a good idea too in this kind of situation for peace of mind. At least that way you get a warning should it suddenly become worse.

[francophile1947]

Strange one this (to me at least)
Bought my bongo 2 weeks ago and noticed the coolant sat at half way between the marks. Topped it up and checked it yesterday and it's back where it was. So far it's had about half a litre in 800 miles. No obvious signs of loss, no contamination to suggest heads. Just wondered if it's my cars way of saying it's full !! It was serviced before I got it (just after import) and I am wondering if they drained it and put anti freeze in and thus just purging.
Since i am on LPG too, it needs to be right !
T

Mine's the same and has been for 3 years - it just won't stay on full, but never drops below the half way mark

[haydn callow]

If it was mine...I would fill it "EXACTLY" to the "FULL" mark first thing in the morning when it is cold.
When it is "HOT" it will rise about 1 or 2 cms.
Always check it when cold (should still be on "FULL") and you should be able to see whats going on.
Cannot disagree with the advice above Re coolant alarm.

[Northern Bongolow]

a pressure test may help put your mind at rest (a bit). i have come across 2 bongos that for some reason wont stay at the full mark,i must admit to letting them find their own level after having work done on the system.keep your eye on it, but try leting it do its own thing.

[mikexgough]

Mine always is at 15mm on my dipping stick rather than the preferred 20mm....... I have stopped wasting coolant now by leaving it be...... just done summer holidays and 2000 miles......still on 15mm....

It was like it when I got Bongo and even since a radiator change......still the same level......

[wishmaster]

On start up look for steam coming out of the exhaust, if you have knee down and smell the steam, if it smells sweet and of coolant then you could have a head gasket problem Just a thought

Hope not,

Izzy

[A1tony]

On start up look for steam coming out of the exhaust, if you have knee down and smell the steam, if it smells sweet and of coolant then you could have a head gasket problem Just a thought

Hope not,

Izzy

Cheers all. I have done all the tests I can think of and I doubt there is anything to worry about. Ordered a coolant alarm from Townace just to be safe since LPG engines run hotter than standard.

thanks

Tony

[haydn callow]

A coolant alarm from Townace ????

[dandemann8]

A coolant alarm from Townace ????

Haydn, I can almost feel your disgust