Bongo Fuel Gauge remains 'on' ???

[SneakyPete]

Newbie Bongoneer(!)

Am getting constant fuel gauge reading even when ignition is off - causes gradual discharge of main battery over time - is this normal? Is there a way of shutting off fuel gauge when parked?

Excellent site BTW - fantastic resource for info and tips!

[hembramacho]

Hi there and welcome.

I think that's just what it does - not sure of a way you could switch that function off. Didn't realise it drains the battery though. Is that over a long period of time - how much drain are we talking about. I can't see it would be much.
Sounds like a reason to drive your bongo on a daily basis to me!

Cheers

Andrew

[g8dhe]

No it doesn't cause any current drain, its switched via the ignition, but the needle is in effect "very heavily damped" so that it doesn't change, it actually has to be driven to a new position! Try emptying the tank with the Ignition OFF it will continue to show the original amount until its switched on.

[SneakyPete]

Did I mention I'm a Newbie?!

Current drain is down to suspect state of battery - not gauge drain.

Interesting to note 'damped' gauge - so far its stayed put all day! Thanks for the wiring Diag. - very useful indeed!

Am absolutely chuffed with the Bongo - thoroughly 'roadtested' with a camping trip to Cheddar last week. Reckon on some long trips ahead!

SP

[g8dhe]

Yes Cheddar is one of our favourite spots, call in at the C&CC site, coming and going if we are anywhere near the area!

The online wiring diagrams and the years covered etc are described here http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =3&t=36657
and there is also the Lush Projects site with all the mechanical diagrams available here http://www.lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/

According to Northern Bongolow there is no return spring on the gauge

the mechanics of the gauge are a coil wound around a spindle with a 10mm disc with 2 magnets on it,and it rotates in a bath of oil

Hence it won't move until forced by a different current level acting against the magnets.

[Northern Bongolow]

both the fuel and temp gauge are damped(they run in an oil bath) the fuel much thicker than the temp,so the temp drops slowly but the fuel stays put until energised.
please be aware of the temp gauge,it tells you to late if something goes wrong with the coolant system unless its modified.details on here on how to do it,

[Northern Bongolow]

sorry geoff you beat me to it

[SneakyPete]

Thanks chaps - will look up the coolant mod and give it a go as soon as poss!

Joining the C&CC is next on my list!

Cheers

Pete

[mikexgough]

The Caravan Club site at Cheddar is nicer and better located than the C&CC one... been to both of them and prefer the CC one as it's a 10 min walk into Cheddar.....

[haydn callow]

SneakyPete.....where abouts are you based ??? Somerset ??

[SneakyPete]

I'm in Buckingham - took our Bongo over to Whitchurch, Shrops and camped out next to my mums canal boat (-4ºc) and then over to Cheddar at a proper campsite.

Around about 400 mile shakedown trip - totally enjoyed the trip!

SP