Ran out of diesel now have problems.

[martin70]

The bongo ran out of diesel and was running fine for 2 weeks. It even went through its MOT no problems. Now it will start but a heap of black smoke with no acceleration and not able to drive .

I know that all the crud may be through the system and this is probably why the van aint running. Never a good idea to run on empty with an old car.

Any suggestions and thanks in advance.

[baronweetman]

give it an Italian service but all that bcrud has gone through the filters so personally I would change the fuel filter and the Banjo one. Someone will be along soon with a sensible answer I'm sure. They are all down at southern softees getting brown.

[martin70]

Thanks for response.

Is there something I could flush through the system?
What is an Italian service?
The bongo has just had a oil and filter change and the fuel filter was changed 9000 miles ago so I grudge it but if neccesery then I will.
thanks

[mister munkey]

Italian Tune Up is one of THESE

I'd change that filter anyway, 9000 is plenty miles, especially after dragging crud up.

[mikexgough]

sounds advice to change the fuel filter...... fill it with injector cleaner before you screw it back on... and clean out the Banjo..... that should sort you out......... it usually does the job

[scanner]

A fuel filter can clag up in 90 miles, let alone 9000, if you get a lot of mucky diesel go through it and the oil and air filters are probably nothing to do with this problem anyway, so you can leave them alone.

Change the fuel filter and clean out the banjo filter in the top of the injector pump and you should find things improve.

[martin70]

can you tell me where the banjo filter is on top of the injector pump?
Is it under the seats or bonnet?
Ill order the fuel filter.

I have £10 of fuel in it and is this enough to give it an italian service with cleaner in it?
thanks

[westonwarrior]

Banjo filter is pictured here
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... rainer.pdf

[martin70]

Thanks a bunch for the advice and I filled the bongo up and put injector cleaner in with the diesel.
I gave it a good rev up and it seems to be going fine now.

Ive ordered a new fuel filter and will ge it fitted with instructions to the mechanic to clean the banjo filter.

The only problem is that I intend to drive it 180 miles to get the mechanic to change the filter as I cant get it done here on skye and will drive this distance at the weekend to arrange for the bongo to get the filter changed .

Is this a wise move?

[mikeonb4c]

Thanks a bunch for the advice and I filled the bongo up and put injector cleaner in with the diesel.
I gave it a good rev up and it seems to be going fine now.

Ive ordered a new fuel filter and will ge it fitted with instructions to the mechanic to clean the banjo filter.

The only problem is that I intend to drive it 180 miles to get the mechanic to change the filter as I cant get it done here on skye and will drive this distance at the weekend to arrange for the bongo to get the filter changed .

Is this a wise move?

Only you can decide, but if it seems to be running fine then I reckon you should be OK. I can't think any harm will be done even if the filters are a bit blocked as long as it is running OK. If it were me, I would drive it locally for a bit longer just to be sure it is behaving and can make the journey. But 180 miles is a lot of fuel cost just to get a couple of filters done. Anyone slightly DIY capable could change the main fuel filter. And in my opinion, the banjo filter can wait as long as the car is running OK. If concerned, maybe just put another dose of diesel cleaner in with the next full tank of diesel as that ought to help purge it.

Lets see what others on here have to say. Good luck whatever you decided to do.

[mister munkey]

Fuel filter change isn't really a garage job as such.

Drivers seat up, spot the filter, grab a bit of confidedence, twist the filter off, fill the new one with diesel & injector cleaner & twist back on.

A ten minute job that will make you feel more at one with your beast to boot.

[jaylee]

I would tend to agree with Mike & Mr M.. If can take it apart, clean it & put it back together..?
Jobs a good 'un!

[missfixit70]

Try blowing the fuel line back through to the tank with the filler cap off in case the pick up strainer is blocked.

[martin70]

Thanks all again and tmoro ill change the fuel filter myself.

Ill even try to clean the banjo.

Try blowing the fuel line back through to the tank with the filler cap off in case the pick up strainer is blocked.

Again thanks for the advice missfixit but how do i blow the fuel line back through to the tank.I take it the filler cap is the bit where i put the fuel in. Do I blow it back by starting the engine?

What a great bunch the bongo folk are and once again many thanks

[missfixit70]

Blow it back with compressed air , I've just used one of those little battery booster type tyre compressor jobs to blow back the fuel line from filter back to the tank pick up (ie blow back down the fuel inlet hose into the filter),
Or take out the sender unit & clean it & clean any crud out of the tank while you're there - http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsm ... mgno=.html
This thread tells you how to get to it if you go that route - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=33920