Service items

[lenny_mc]

So I purchased a Freda, 2.5 td auto, and want to give it a good service. I am looking at timing belt kit, oil, filter, air filter, diff oil, gearbox oil. Also looking at fitting a LCA. Is there anything else I should do when doing the above? Also, where is the best place to buy the parts - I am based in Ireland but dont mind paying shipping.

Thanks,
Lenny

[Ian]

Apart from the oil, which can be obtained locally, everything can be bought from the Bongo Shop (lick "Shop Bongo" link above). Shipping will be about 15 Euros on top of indicated prices, 3 day delivery.

[cmm303]

Worth giving the cooling system a good visual:

There's 17 rubber hoses and numerous metal pipes. You'll get an idea of their condition (bulging rubber or rusty metal) and can make a considered decision.
In particular check the metal pipes underneath and to the rear of the drivers seat. Some rust treatment may be needed!
Check the radiator where the plastic bits join the metal section for signs of weeping.
Do you know if the coolant has been changed in the last two years (blue/green) or five years (red/pink/orange)? If not, plan in a coolant drain and flush. Entertain yourself with the youtube vids on bleeding before refilling.
Whilst your coolant system is drained pick up any other maintenance from your checks above, and replace the thermostat with Mazda part if thought to be still the original.

[mikeonb4c]

Worth giving the cooling system a good visual:

There's 17 rubber hoses and numerous metal pipes. You'll get an idea of their condition (bulging rubber or rusty metal) and can make a considered decision.
In particular check the metal pipes underneath and to the rear of the drivers seat. Some rust treatment may be needed!
Check the radiator where the plastic bits join the metal section for signs of weeping.
Do you know if the coolant has been changed in the last two years (blue/green) or five years (red/pink/orange)? If not, plan in a coolant drain and flush. Entertain yourself with the youtube vids on bleeding before refilling.
Whilst your coolant system is drained pick up any other maintenance from your checks above, and replace the thermostat with Mazda part if thought to be still the original.

Good advice here. I fitted a low coolant alarm 10 years ago so i could take a reasonable risk (as it were) on not changing hoses etc. However, with a Bongo now 21 years old and with plans to go travelling, just having an LCA will not be enough - its of limited value if a hose goes in the middle of nowhere! So I'm going to go over mine with my mechanic, with a view to replacing any suspect ones. Like all good preventative work, i'll never know what the consequences of not doing it might have been. And it still won't prevent the unexpected