coolant levels V6

[rita]

Get yourself a low coolant alarm for peace of mind especially if the header tank is not clear enough to see the level easily. Sometimes shining a torch down thru the top of the tank makes it easier to see.

They already have one but don't want to fit it until the level problem is solved......

[Simon Jones]

If it were me, I'd fit it sooner rather than later. As bongowight is concerned about the fluctuating levels then it ought to fitted as a priority. Otherwise it's a bit like waiting to see if your house gets broken into before deciding to fit the burglar alarm that's still sat in the box waiting to be installed.

[bongowight]

Going to get it in to someone who knows what they're doing this week and ask them to check the system, replace coolant and fit the alarm as not too confident of fitting it right myself, will avoid using the van till it's all done

[bongowight]

Dropped the van to a local bongo specialist for a full service and check up, mentioned the coolant levels and asked him to double check all well, van came back with a clean bill of health, he said its in fantastic condition and he knew the history of it and knew the previous owner who apparently never scrimped on having works done very reassuring. He said he thought fitting the coolant alarm wasn't necessary for the v6 petrol although a lifesaver for the diesels, think I will still go ahead and fit the coolant alarm and an engine temperature alarm just to be on the safe side.

[haydn callow]

Dropped the van to a local bongo specialist for a full service and check up, mentioned the coolant levels and asked him to double check all well, van came back with a clean bill of health, he said its in fantastic condition and he knew the history of it and knew the previous owner who apparently never scrimped on having works done very reassuring. He said he thought fitting the coolant alarm wasn't necessary for the v6 petrol although a lifesaver for the diesels, think I will still go ahead and fit the coolant alarm and an engine temperature alarm just to be on the safe side.

I'm surprised he said that about fitting a LCA ..... The V6 is just as prone to age related problems as any other bongo....only difference is ...it costs a lot more to fix a overheated V6.

[bongowight]

Dropped the van to a local bongo specialist for a full service and check up, mentioned the coolant levels and asked him to double check all well, van came back with a clean bill of health, he said its in fantastic condition and he knew the history of it and knew the previous owner who apparently never scrimped on having works done very reassuring. He said he thought fitting the coolant alarm wasn't necessary for the v6 petrol although a lifesaver for the diesels, think I will still go ahead and fit the coolant alarm and an engine temperature alarm just to be on the safe side.

I'm surprised he said that about fitting a LCA ..... The V6 is just as prone to age related problems as any other bongo....only difference is ...it costs a lot more to fix a overheated V6.

He seemed to think the diesels are far more prone to coolant trouble than the petrol Haydn, is that not the case then? Gonna fit an alarm regardless just for my own peace of mind

[Bob]

My brother just paid 8 grand for a very nice 02 V6 from a motorhome dealer.

I suggested a coolant alarm and apparently the dealer said, 'Don't waste your money, its all sorted on the new ones'.

You can listen to garages/dealers, many of whom are very good indeed, or you can check the credentials of the old lags on here.

Or both.

[haydn callow]

Its not good advice....even a nice 02 van is 13/14 years old...true the V6 runs a bit cooler, but never the less..hoses can perish, pipes rust, rads block etc.....just not worth the risk....almost all the main dealers now fit our alarms to protect their warranties.

[Bob]

Exactly Haydn.

8 Grand motor, 2 Grand repair, hundred quid alarm.

I've told him.

[Simon Jones]

As other have said: a 10, 15 or 20 year old hose or radiator is just as likely to fail regardless of what engine it's connected to. You could be driving along and some debris form the road goes thru the radiator or a hose clip fails and you could loose all your coolant. While the V6 is not prone to overheating or head problems, if you have lost coolant you will have the cost of two heads to replace not just one .

[TheStinkyHippy]

Out of interest, who did you use? I'm still looking for a specialist on the island.

Dropped the van to a local bongo specialist for a full service and check up, mentioned the coolant levels and asked him to double check all well, van came back with a clean bill of health, he said its in fantastic condition and he knew the history of it and knew the previous owner who apparently never scrimped on having works done very reassuring. He said he thought fitting the coolant alarm wasn't necessary for the v6 petrol although a lifesaver for the diesels, think I will still go ahead and fit the coolant alarm and an engine temperature alarm just to be on the safe side.

[rita]

As other have said: a 10, 15 or 20 year old hose or radiator is just as likely to fail regardless of what engine it's connected to. You could be driving along and some debris form the road goes thru the radiator or a hose clip fails and you could loose all your coolant. While the V6 is not prone to overheating or head problems, if you have lost coolant you will have the cost of two heads to replace not just one .

And this is when Two heads are Not better than one.

[Simon Jones]

Which is also why prevention is better than cure .

[bongowight]

Out of interest, who did you use? I'm still looking for a specialist on the island.

Dropped the van to a local bongo specialist for a full service and check up, mentioned the coolant levels and asked him to double check all well, van came back with a clean bill of health, he said its in fantastic condition and he knew the history of it and knew the previous owner who apparently never scrimped on having works done very reassuring. He said he thought fitting the coolant alarm wasn't necessary for the v6 petrol although a lifesaver for the diesels, think I will still go ahead and fit the coolant alarm and an engine temperature alarm just to be on the safe side.

I used gp motor works in bembridge, they're listed in the members area on here and deal with predominantly campervans and motorhomes. They seemed really good and like they know what they're on about, when I asked about if the coolant needed changing whether he knew the preferred ways to avoid air blocks he knew exactly what I was talking about. Gave the van a full service and made a list of smaller jobs that could do with being done over the next 12 months to keep on top of everything, the van is driving lovely.

[mikeWalsall]

I have V6 .. and a simple Haydn low coolant alarm ..

I can't say it as ever gone off in 'anger' .. just once .. one day while leaving my house and 'swinging around a corner ..

I had forgotten to put the coolant cap back on .. never did find it ..!!

Even with the low coolant alarm .. I still visibly check my coolant from time to time ..