Bongo Fury

Hi after the coolant gurus help again,
What would cause a coolant smell through the heater vents when hot?
I have pressure tested the system and all seems ok.
No coolant loss, no movement in the header tank.
No visible leaks and no coolant smell under the bonnet, just through the vents.
The only other problem is it takes an age to heat up, thermostat stuck open possibly? Bottom hose starts to get warm quite quick,

Pain in the bum on my new van, am I being paranoid.

is it coolant you can smell or is it screen wash. the air for the heaters is taken in at the front, above the rad. then the front matrix. some coolant leaks dont show a coolant loss----------------------------------------------------------------air lock
the 2 ltr does seem to run cooler than the diesel.

I'm sure it smells like coolant, I think the importer has changed the coolant so he may have spilt some or not bled it properly. I think I will change the stat so it is done for peace of mind so I will bleed it then. Is the method the same for the 2l petrol?

I've heard people suggesting that the 2l is self bleeding, but standby for confirmation.

Hi Stuc. The 2l is self bleeding, so no see saw method etc required. We have a similar smell which comes through the air vents from time to time (if the van has been sitting for a time without much use), but no coolant loss etc. It may be if the van has been sitting for a while it just needs a good blow through to get all the dust and gunk out of the system. Try one of these aircon bombs as well to freshen it all up. I know how you feel with the paranoia think, but am sure it will settle down.

all the best

David.

That might explain it as it is a fresh import, so dont know how long it has stood. Gonna go and put an air con bomb in it now.
I will report back shortly.
Its great working here with all this stuff to hand

Hi,
this musty coolant/antifreeze smell is quite common on these old vehicles,it is usually the start of a leaking radiator/heater matrix.It can go on for quite a while before it develops an noticeable leak.Worth checking carpets for dampness now and again.

Cheers.

checked the carpets cos that is how my last bongo started when i bought it, heater matrix was leaking.
Will keep an eye on it

Hi stuc,

If you run the air supply on RECYCLE and the smell persists,that should eliminate the Radiator.


Cheers.

Cheers Rita, will try that tomorrow.