Bongo Fury

Some advice please.

Just had bongo in garage today for oil change, coolant check and tightening alternator belt (tried the tip using wd40 but that didn't cure squeaking on tick over). All now ok and running sweet. Was advised by mechanic that head gasket is weeping oil and needs attention. I keep a regular check on oil and water levels and have not seen any loss of oil or coolant over the six months (10 000km) I have had vehicle (Diesel). Obviously I will need to monitor this closely but would appreciate advice as to whtehr I need to get this fixed asap or can confidently run vehicle if there is no appreciable loss of oil or coolant or am I taking a risk that a major failure is just around the corner? Does it sound like gasket or will head require major surgery? Worth doing the whole job?

Garage is one I have used for many years. I know owners well so appreciate they are pretty honest. They don't specialise in Bongos but have done work on another recently.

Should I get a second opinion? Not keen on 650+ quoted, especially at this time of year or should I bite the bullet and sleep easy?

Second opinion is my guess.

A blown head gasket would do significantly more than just weep oil.

Likey to be a leaky rocker cover gasket.

Something that can be put on the back burner for a while at least . . .

Warm welcome Gannet, if you let us know roughly where you are someone local to you may well take a look.

I haven't seen it, but generally 'Weeping', with no noticeable loss of oil isn't an urgent job. A full on leak is a different matter.

If you put an old bit of ply or similar under it is there a puddle?

please post location so members can advise of local garage,

If it is rocker gasket pick them up for £20ish and its about an hours job,

if you are gonna change head gasket check whan the last timing belt was done as you might as well kill two birds at once dont forget tension bearing and spring too

Echo the above - I'd leave a slight weep - better to keep an eye on it than risk disturbing the head gasket with possible associated cooling system problems IMO

If it's the front driver's side of the engine, it's probably the EGR valve - they all do that

Thanks for swift replies - most helpful. Will sleep a little easier tonight!

Will check exactly where oil is coming from when light tomorrow. I have a suspicion it is drivers side. Rocker gasket sounds much cheaper!

I am based in Chudleigh, Devon. Bought van from Topsham but not sure about their workshop. May try Allans vehicles in Plymouth if others recommend them for second opinion unless any members can assist.

If it's the drivers seat towards the front of the engine....Forget it....every diesel bongo i've looked at has it.....if your not having to top up ...not a problem...as already said crud that gets past a seal.

Allans will definitely see you right, he's done a few jobs for me, and yes, mine weeps at the front o/s.

Never had to top up in 2 years other than regular oil changes.

Went to see Allans in Plymouth. What a gem of a guy. Took one look at oil leak and told me not to worry as they all seem to suffer that way. What a relief! Lesson learnt - it pays to go to garages that know Bongos.

Sadly now need a new wing mirror glass as some ...... pinged mirror while parked in Plymouth so not all good news!

Will certainly viist him again when I want other work done in future.

Gannet wrote:Went to see Allans in Plymouth. What a gem of a guy. Took one look at oil leak and told me not to worry as they all seem to suffer that way. What a relief! Lesson learnt - it pays to go to garages that know Bongos.

Sadly now need a new wing mirror glass as some ...... pinged mirror while parked in Plymouth so not all good news!

Will certainly viist him again when I want other work done in future.

We are very lucky in the Bongo community to have such an excellent collection of Bongo specialists (Allans, Bellhill, Discount Trucks, Ian Taylor, JAL, Hillside, Wheelquick, that-bloke-in-Croydon-whose-name-I-can-never-remember, ditto in Norfolk!) all of whom seem to share the same enthusiasm for this sometimes quirky, sometimes difficult but never boring, unlikely star of a car

Not to mention our own home grown talent (you know who you are) on hand to advise and offer a sort of NHS Direct for Bongos diagnostic service, but quicker and cheaper

Take a bow guys n gals

You could rename it NBS Direct

dandywarhol wrote:You could rename it NBS Direct

Don't go there - I'm due to go under the knife for (1) a hernia and (2) some painful thing on my foot.............so I'm hoping the public service cuts dont cut in before I can get serviced, if you get me

Bad luck Mike, I'm sure all will be well.

The NHS take some stick, but I can swear that whenever any of my friends or family have needed anything done they have been brilliant.

Bob wrote:Bad luck Mike, I'm sure all will be well.

The NHS take some stick, but I can swear that whenever any of my friends or family have needed anything done they have been brilliant.

Thanks Bob. This winter I decided to take a break from fettling the Bongo and get myself fettled instead

Also got physio on Thursday for the shoulder I whacked coming off my electric bike (my attempts to reduce carbon footprint resulted in nought but a carbon shoulderprint outside Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport )

I won't go on about my 3 troublesome teeth, my coccyx or my ears. Not on an open forum. It wouldn't be decent