How much heat is normal coming from under the seat / centre?

[Beachcomber]

Getting used to the Bongo - loving it more each day, but I'm wondering how much heat you should expect to be getting through your seat and through the centre consul?

I know your sat on the engine so some warmth is to be expected but on these hot days we've been having it really does feel quite warm under-butt!

Temp guage is rock-steady @ 11-o-clock and everything is running fine, just wondering how toasted the old bumcakes should be?

[missfixit70]

Temp gauge will sit at 11 0clock all day long if it hasn't been modified, whether the temperature is 60 degrees or 100 degrees plus, it will only start moving once you are already overheating, do not rely on it to tell you anything useful. Modify the gauge with a mason alarm, or if you're willing to get hands on, there's a cheap mod you can do yourself, or fit an extra temp gauge such as a TM2 with a built in alarm, or a cheap temp gauge. There's a fact sheet in the members area explaining a bit about temp gauges & coolant alarms, or several hundred threads on the forum well worth looking into.

How warm is warm? chocolate bars WILL melt You are sat on top of the engine, if it gets too warm, the scavenge fan should kick in (above 108 degrees) to get a bit of air flowing over it, usually only when stationary as there should be airflow as you're driving.
To give you some ideas of temps, the stat opens at @82 degrees, & the rad fans kick in at @96 degrees (high speed rad fans at 104 degrees if needed). Exhaust side of the engine can quite happily be running above 100 degrees.
Check the insulation is in place under the seats/engine covers & make sure the clips are tight that hold the seat down, they tend to stretch out a bit, a couple of taps with a hammer should bend them in a bit to tighten them.

[jaylee]

Just to add to this.. There are two bulbs under the centre console (the same same type as the front sidelights) they can get hot when on for long periods of time too....
http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... mgno=.html

I changed mine to cooler burning LED's, (straight swap over) the front edge of the ashtray got quite hot where the bulb sits underneath...

[Poohbear]

Just to add to this.. There are two bulbs under the centre console (the same same type as the front sidelights)

Although they are the same type as the sidelights they are much lower wattage. The sidelights are 5W!

[jaylee]

Just to add to this.. There are two bulbs under the centre console (the same same type as the front sidelights)

Although they are the same type as the sidelights they are much lower wattage. The sidelights are 5W!

I meant the same T10 wedge type.... But cheers anyway Pooh, i've just worked out that the previous owner may have fitted a 5W filament bulb in a confined space & given me a heated ashtray....!

[Beachcomber]

Thanks for the answers - a decent temp / early warning system is definatly on the cards.