Head gasket or not?

[nickyroy]

Hi guys

Bought a 1995 (62k on clock) 2.5 Diesel Bongo a few months ago and have had many great trips in it already. It has a few little things to sort out, which I am working through slowly, but am worried that 'a biggie' looms. Couple of days ago it was overheating. Radiator and expansion tank on heating/cooling system were both low, so followed three videos on the web on how to bleed the system and fill up at the same time: it took around 8 litres of anti-freeze/water mixture. Does that amount of loss indicate head gasket gone, or could it be something else? Prior to this problem, have had no issues at all with the engine or heating system. Two factors of possibly significance: a few days before the problem started, hit a speed bump real hard (didn't see it!), and also the problem came on with the freezing weather (could it have had the wrong sort of coolant in it, and the sub zero temperatures affected it?). Also, is there any reliable test that I can do, or should I just keep opening up the expansion tank to check that the level hasn't dropped again?

Any thoughts most gratefully received.

Good videos on bleeding the system btw, if any of you are thinking of doing the same.

Nick

[BongoMTBer]

Keep an eye on the level, very frequently until you are happy that it isn't dropping. My radiator was leaking around the top where the plastic endcaps are fixed to the aluminium core, so have a look at that. Also, with the engine running and nice and warm, have a good look underneath for any signs of leakage. A leaking head/gasket will show itself as excessive steam coming from the exhaust. Obviously some is normal in the current temperatures but loads billowing out is a bad sign.

Also, check the oil and see if there are milky deposits on the dipstick as this is also a sign of water getting through the gasket/head. Worth checking the coolant to see if there is evidence of oil in the coolant.

If you have recently bled the system, you may get a bit of a drop again as any last bits of air depart the system. This should stop after the first couple of proper runs though.

You may wish to fit a coolant alarm for peace of mind.

[BongoMTBer]

If you let us know where you are, someone may have a look at it with you.

[nickyroy]

Thanks for the advice. I will keep an eye on the coolant level and also check oil again, although did that recently and seemed fine.
I am in Cambridge, and would welcome a look over the vehicle with any local Bongo owners, or people who know about the vehicles. In fact, also having problems finding someone to service; went to Croydon for the last bit of work!

[mister munkey]

it took around 8 litres of anti-freeze/water mixture.

The system only holds 13 litres. A loss of less than two can cause ghastly horridness

It doesn't sound too good. Expect the worst, hope for the best, but don't drive it in the meantime 'till its checked out properly.

[Northern Bongolow]

i would be tempted to spend a few quid at any local garage,get them to pressure test the system,that should show up most leaks.
good luck.and keep both eyes on that coolant level.

[longhaul8]

If you go down near the bottem of the forum page and look under eastern you will find some garages listed closer to cambridge there is one in fenstanton and one in pidley.

Mo's Motors in Fenstanton
Lance Vinall, Acle 01493 753978
DH Vehicle Repairs, Great Yarmouth 01493 655610
Flemming Brothers Suzuki garage, Hunstanton
Autocare in Ware
Outback Autos, Great Massingham 01485 520007
Vernon Motors, Pidley, Huntingdon 01487 842328
A L Motors (Braintree) Ltd, Unit 5,Queenborough Lane, Rayne, Essex CM77 6TE, 01376 348305
MOT & Service Centre, The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Essex, CM3 2EQ. 01245 382766.
Andys imports, 1 Quarry works. Honingham NR9 5AP 07768933521

Hope that helps