Going to lose my mind soon! OVERHEATING issue but bled?!

[timmyt]

Could it possibly be a radiator problem that i cant detect??

[missfixit70]

Could be a blocked rad/heater matrix I suppose. As Ady said I think, worth bringing it up to temp with pressure tester connected, get it up to the point the fans cut in at least a couple of times, if the fans don't bring the temp down quickly, you could have a rad/stat issue?

[timmyt]

Arrgggggg......just going through the process of bringing up to temp,started van....white smoke and what looks like water under exhaust pipe
Why would it only start to smoke now?could the last,brief overheating yesterday finally cook the head??
had the water collected in cylinders once cooled down and left stand overnight then get expelled on start up?the white smoke/mist dissapeared sfter a while but i didnt allow to get to temp and just turned it off and came in for shower and beer!!!!

[Northern Bongolow]

has the coolant level dropped,or is this just a bit of bongo disease.
put the pressure tester on it and start the engine-----------,they all kick out a bit of white smoke etc when its started,but it does clear quite quickly.let the cold start come off, then see whats happening.
then bleed it as per the you tube videos(how to bleed a mazda bongo).then test the pressures in the cooling system.

[timmyt]

Hi all,little update.
After having no success with my cooling issues i came to the conclusion that reluctanly there must be a gasket/cracked cylinder problem
I tried steel seal but with no luck....and to be honest im glad as even if it did work i dont think i would ever trust the van again and could never sell it knowing that there was a head issue and that problems could just be looming around every corner,just dont think my conscience could cope with it!
So,proper job it will be....currently stripped engine of turbo,inlet etc etc,by the way the inlet was stinking!loads of oily build up so a good clean is in order.
Hoping that it may just be the gasket but i'd put money that its not!
So just thinking...what are peoples opinions on suppliers?guessing that the ones via the club shop are about the best around??
Also thinking that whilst everything is stripped down i may as well replace the rest of the hoses and the radiator.
Also is it beneficial to blank the egr?

[timmyt]

And also does anyone know if there is a 'peg hole' in the timing to lock it out once lined up?
Just being a bit lazy to go and look right now!

[missfixit70]

Personally if you're going to go to the hassle & expense of replacing head etc (be very surprised it it's just gasket, & if you think it is there's a good chance you'll have it apart again within 6 months TBH) I'd be looking at what else needs replacing in the system.
Make sure it's a reputable supplier with decent feedback/reputation, Club Shop ones seem to be good value with good back up, & come complete. Just make sure wherever you get it from it's for the Bongo with the bleed T piece on it, or you're going to have issues bleeding it properly IMO, it's fitted for a reason.
Oily build up on the inlet manifold is to be expected with the egr system, get it removed/blanked IMO.

[teenmal]

Hi timmyt,

Might be worth a chat with this guy...

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=49381

Cheers...

[rita]

And also does anyone know if there is a 'peg hole' in the timing to lock it out once lined up?
Just being a bit lazy to go and look right now!

Hi,
No locating points,only two pulleys/pump and cam shaft.

cheers.

[timmyt]

Thanks kirsty.Think it will be a bongo shop one tbh.seems a decent price inc all the bolts etc..and i dont fancy a cheapo one made in China from our recycled scrap!

[timmyt]

Hi all,Update...
Currently have the head on bench,cleaned up the face,no obvious signs of any cracks although cylinder no2 is quite badly pitted along face along with valve,indicating that there has indeed been water in that cylinder?
Checked gascket thoroughly,quite hard to tell with these multi layer metal things but can see signs of shadowing which from experience is enough to let water in.
Now the big dilema,do i go the whole hog of new head etc or risk just putting new gasket on and hope it isnt internally cracked?
I think i know what the general reply will be though........
Just big difference between cost of a gasket and bolts compared to complete set up...the cost of a good few weekends away,which is why we bought the van in first place

[francophile1947]

It's probably best to get the head pressure tested before refitting. At least you'll be certain it's worth refitting it.

[missfixit70]

Even if the head is pressure tested , the damage may not show up, so many people reuse the head & a few months later, the whole lot's off again. You know my answer even if you don't like it It's your gamble

[timmyt]

Even if the head is pressure tested , the damage may not show up, so many people reuse the head & a few months later, the whole lot's off again. You know my answer even if you don't like it It's your gamble

OK ok..Decided on complete new head along with two new temeperature sensing mods (thankyou Haydn!) Bongo paranoia kicking in!

Now...where to buy head from??found one on ebay..have spoken to them and they assure me they are manufactured in New Zealand of all places!then imported via South Africa £418 delivered inc Gasket set,head bolts and timing belt....Or do i spend the extra on the ones from the bongo shop?anyone know where these are made?

[missfixit70]

Unknown from SA? or known supplier in uk, with a proven track record? If you're going for Ian's be quick, cos he's shutting down for the bash as of tomorrow.