Ran out of diesel now have problems.

[mikeonb4c]

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

Just be a little careful with the banjo filter. They are delicate and there's one or two tips to doing it right. Not done it myself but Kirsty will know if you can't find it using a search. If in doubt, leave it alone I think. Fuel filter is not a problem even if it is a bit tight (you may well need a strap wrench or whatever they are called). Also remember the electrical connection at base of housing and don't twist that off while doing the job.

[martin70]

Thanks mike and everyone else.

I stuttered down to the garage yesterday and put wynns injector cleaner in with a full tank of diesel.

Bongo boo is now running fine....however I have ordered a new fuel filter and have just been out to see if I could find it. I have and it looks awkward to take off. When I got the bongo 4 years ago I changed all the things on it and remmember watching the mechanic change the fuel filter from bellow as it was on a hoist. Looked easy?

Is the wiring connected to the bottom of the filter or do you disconnect it from the clip at the side?

No doubt Ill give it a go when the filter arrives. If not I still intend a wee camping trip for one night in inverness and then over to my parents where a cheap family mechanic awaits?

Last time I went to him he changed my oil (filter and oil supplied by me) renewed the brake fluid and fixed the wirring on the petrol tank for £50.

However he did not put the cap back on the brake fluid and I have been told by my friendly mechanic on skye that this will have let moisture into the brake system and I need to get it changed again

Hopefully Ill get my 170 miles across scotland.

Another major problem seems to have occured. I have just checked my coolant and it is extremely low (no mason alarm) It is at the low line and dry to where I look into it.
Again I will get this changed but what should I do meantime to replace coolant etc.I know there is loads of advice on coolant change to give to my mechanic but what are the essentials he should know to get the job done properly?

Again many thanks for reading my post and advice much appreciated

[bigdaddycain]

I was gonna suggest that the fuel lines may need bleeding of air! But if the fuel issue is sorted now then that's good news! Top up the coolant with water (i won't go into the in's and outs of compatible anti-freeze in this quick post, just adding water for the time being is the safest bet to get you back on the road) If the level has dropped much lower than the bottom of the tank the system may well need bleeding, but on the other hand you may, just have got away with it... I'd check WHY the coolant has dropped though, and carry some spare water in the bongo till you are happy there is no coolant leak. Is the tube that's tied up under the passenger seat chafing on the alternator? This is quite common on bongo's....

[mikexgough]

Top up the coolant with water (i won't go into the in's and outs of compatible anti-freeze in this quick post, just adding water for the time being is the safest bet to get you back on the road) If the level has dropped much lower than the bottom of the tank the system may well need bleeding

Agree totally....... When you change or who ever you get to change your coolant...... best to use a G12+ type.... any brand will do, most here tend you use Car Plan Premium Red.... but there are other good one's out there....

[mikeonb4c]

I was gonna suggest that the fuel lines may need bleeding of air! But if the fuel issue is sorted now then that's good news! Top up the coolant with water (i won't go into the in's and outs of compatible anti-freeze in this quick post, just adding water for the time being is the safest bet to get you back on the road) If the level has dropped much lower than the bottom of the tank the system may well need bleeding, but on the other hand you may, just have got away with it... I'd check WHY the coolant has dropped though, and carry some spare water in the bongo till you are happy there is no coolant leak. Is the tube that's tied up under the passenger seat chafing on the alternator? This is quite common on bongo's....

And - dare I say it - fit a low coolant alarm if the budget will run to it.

Fuel filter. I think you have to remove the air filter box top (3 hand operated clips) to get access. You then have to unscrew (by hand) the knurled plastic knob at bottom of fuel filter to drain the filter (have a bowl ready underneath to catch spllied fuel). Doing this may introduce twist/torque into wiring that connects to it. From the workshop manual there is a connector further down that you could undo to prevent this but I've never done that (maybe I should have but don't recall seeing it ). You may well need the strap wrench at this point to undo the filter. Before installing hte new filter, apply a small amount of diesel fuel to the O ring. Tighten the filter by hand, without using the strap wrench. Some peeps have talked about filling the new filter with diesel injector fluid to reduce priming problems, but I've never done that. All the Bongos I've ever heard of are capable of self priming and - apart from maybe a hiccup - mine has started fine after a fuel filter change. But the workshp manual does talk of 'loosening the air bledder screws on both sides of the fule filter and activating the priming pump.....until fuel runs out of the air bleeder screw opening, then tighten the air bleeder screws to 1.5-2.4N.m torque, then activate priming pump several times to check there are no fuel leaks'. But I've yet to hear of anyone having to do that.

[missfixit70]

There's an electrical connector you have to undo to remove the bottom knurled drain jobby. Full instructions in the members area if you get stuck.
I had to undo the 2 bolts on the bracket to lift the filter & housing up once it's drained to get easy access, much easier this way, only takes a minute too. Mine had the priming pump on the top too. Fill it up with fuel before screwing on & don't forget to replace the old o-ring on the bottom & smear of clean diesel on all sealing faces.

[scanner]

I find it easier and less messy to unplug the sensor from the wiring loom and lift out the filter with it still in place. You can then drain the diesel off afterwards.

It saves twisting the wires to undo the sensor with the possibility of breaking them.