The Mazda Bongo

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Burnerman

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I have one of these Japanese grey imports in for a few repairs and service
(16 years old and absolutely no corrosion :p ) 2.5 turbo diesel, full time 4WD, auto transmission, all the bells and whistles working.....
Has anyone out there any knowledge or owned one of these?
John :)
 
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John,

I've had one for years and they are lovely, but there are a few things that you need to be very wary of - mainly the cooling system and it is ESSENTIAL that it is bled properly.

Bongofury.co.uk is a great resource and there are videos about bleeding the cooling system properly on YouTube.

Main issue is that the highest point in the coolant system is the head, so any leaks from the pipework between the mid mounted engine and the radiator results in air locks and you can say bye bye to the head very quickly. Most people fit Bongo specific coolant alarms to act as an early warning system.
 
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TheVictorian said:
John,

I've had one for years and they are lovely, but there are a few things that you need to be very wary of - mainly the cooling system and it is ESSENTIAL that it is bled properly.

Bongofury.co.uk is a great resource and there are videos about bleeding the cooling system properly on YouTube.

Main issue is that the highest point in the coolant system is the head, so any leaks from the pipework between the mid mounted engine and the radiator results in air locks and you can say bye bye to the head very quickly. Most people fit Bongo specific coolant alarms to act as an early warning system.
Click to expand...

That is a great help, and thanks very much ;)
Curiously enough, the owner wants the coolant replaced :eek: and also the auto transmission fluid and filter :eek: The latter shouldn't be an issue, but the coolant spooks me :p
I have to say the service has gone fine, everything available from Blueprint apart from a transmission sump gasket. You have to hand it to the Japanese - 16 years old, everything comes undone, even the brake caliper nipples....a thoroughly recommended vehicle!
(This one is in camper van form with the accordion electric roof).
Thanks for the interest!
John :)
 
Just looked at You Tube for coolant bleeding :eek:
Oh hell :p 3 people to refill the coolant :eek:
Can't wait!
John :)
P.S Found me a brilliant link, Mr. Victorian - really appreciated ;)
 
Thanks to Mr. Victorian, the coolant has been changed....and an absolute nonsense that was :p
The auto transmission fluid and filters I've done too - much more straight forward!
Cheers
John :D
 
My dad had one for a few years great to drive but a bit thirsty. One thing I liked though is all the seats will fold flat and you have a double bed!
 
Indeed you have - but it would be prudent to lose a little weight in my case :p Apparently its possible to store two more bodies up in the roof :eek:
Its curious though.....I've been flashed by a couple of these vehicles, and each time the driver has patted his head :confused: I'm wondering if this is a sort of masonic ritual :p
John :)
 
Its come back to haunt me.....
Its losing coolant - hopefully from the water pump gland....access is so bad its impossible to be absolutely sure.
Water pump replacement - no problem. Head gasket issue? I'm emigrating :p
John :)
 
New water pump fitted today, so fingers crossed!
Totally soaked - all this rain plus an antifreeze bath means I won't rust for years :p
John :)
 
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