Smokey on startup and 1st few 100 yards

[Diplomat]

!....I wrote to the company at the time to check the ingredients , and the tech dept. were nice enough to send a very good reply!

Did they say that the ingredients were secret?


Frank

[teenmal]

Hi
Dodgey...
If you buy injector cleaner, try Redex first, as there's no abrasives in it, and it just dissolves the gumming that sometimes can glue the injector up a bit...IF no joy after a tankful, THEN try an abrasive cleaner, but NEVER use the abrasive variety regularly, as they can wreck the injector , and you'll end up with having to replace them. It worked a treat when I got the Bongo 10 years ago...a good treatment with Redex!....I wrote to the company at the time to check the ingredients , and the tech dept. were nice enough to send a very good reply!
One thing that can cause problems, is where you fill up...if they have excess water in the holding tank (all diesel contains a bit of water), then it may be (only MAY ) a cause.
If the Bongo runs smoothly after a while, it still COULD be plugs...perhaps the one that was a bit discoloured hasn't got a good connection, somehow (unlikely, as the current is along a busbar, but anything's possible???
Cheers
Helen

There should be NO (Zero)water in the Storage Tank,

[helen&tony]

Hi
Teenmal
Should be no water is right, but with diesel, it's not unknown...NOT deliberate quantities, but it does occur, and does produce odd symptoms.
Cheers
Helen

[helen&tony]

Hi
Frank...
No...I guess that most solvent -type cleaners are similar...solvents and performance-enhancers...The letter I got was pretty straightforward as to what types of formulae they use. I have only used them a few times in 10 years...time for another treat , maybe!
Cheers
Helen

[helen&tony]

Hi
Teenmal...
'Yer 'Tiz...:
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/d ... ators.html
Also, on the bottom of the Bongo fuel filter is a trap to empty off water etc. I'm not sure whether they all have it, but the earlier ones do...First filter change on the Bongo fuel filter produced none, but I thought it might have done.
Also, depending on where you buy diesel, it isn't only the "cloud point " that besets diesel flow in winter, but the fact that the fuel itself absorbs more water than regular petrol, and it freezes in the fuel.
Most winter spells, I can't get the Bongo to start below minus 8 C. but I now use depresator in winter, and it will "go" at lower temps. , but I usually use the Jeep, as I think they have a fuel heater along the system somewhere ...but I haven't checked that out!
Cheers
Helen

[teenmal]

Hi helen&tony ,I was a Service Engineer repairing/installing petrol/diesel etc etc pumps/dispensers etc for 40+years,I am also a qualified Motor Engineer. I have a rough idea how things work and the Legal implications of Forecourt Installations verification and Licence issues.

Just a bit of useless information.

.

[helen&tony]

Hi
That's excellent, then you do know that diesel absorbs water, and there's a water trap in the fuel system. Not being pedantic.
It is true that water can cause a bit of rough running, and I was checking up information some years back on Canadian websites which have a lot more information relevant to cold weather than that in the UK, and as I said, water in diesel (i.e. that which is absorbed), is contributary to freezing, apart from the cloud point. BUT...I have seen water in diesel fuel separate at higher temperatures, and if a fuel filter isn't emptied at the sediment trap, it CAN cause bad running.
Cheers
Helen

[teenmal]

I was just pointing out re your statement "if they have excess water in the holding tank , that there should be No Water in the Storage tank never mind "excess water".

The only place that Water is permitted in Holding tanks is at some refineries , and this is usually Salt water.

Just another bit of useless information.

[Dodgey]

In answer to the question it seems to happen at any temperature.

[Northern Bongolow]

My Bongo has, in the last few months stared to misbehave a little.

On startup, it fires on 3 cylinders (or there abouts - that's what it feels like), and with a firm prod of the throttle, smooths out fine. I can usually avoid the rough start by waiting a few more seconds after the glow plug light has gone out before firing her up)

When you then drive off, it leaves a blue smokey trail. Not massively cloudy but clearly visible (I've followed it from behind - you don't notice if you are driving). This fades to unnoticable after a minute or less.

from a few searches it seems it's either:

- cold start solenoid or pipes - any diagrams or links as to what I'm looking for and how to test?
- leaking valve stem seals. Hope not.

Any input appreciated.



p.s. just passed the MOT fine. He mentioned is was smokey but it had no problems with emissions. I assume that's because the smoke stops fairly shortly after startup.

try this link mate for how the cold starts work.

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ds#p441097

[Dodgey]

Odd. Done more testing. It starts fine when I leave the glow plugs on for 2-3x longer than the light suggests. Then a smooth start.

New plugs. Doesn't seem to make sense. Power rail screwed on properly to each plug.

[al & chris]

Odd. Done more testing. It starts fine when I leave the glow plugs on for 2-3x longer than the light suggests. Then a smooth start.

New plugs. Doesn't seem to make sense. Power rail screwed on properly to each plug.

Plugs staying on longer than light is normal. I normally leave ignition on for a good 3 or 4 seconds after light has gone out for a smoother start but plugs stay on a lot longer than that I think.

[cushers]

Hi All,
Similar problem. Within days of purchase the glow plugs relay went and Ian expedited a replacement. All running fine except for a lumpy (3 cylinders?) start and considerable amount of smoke. This then becomes more sporadic in short bursts before running clear and no longer lumpy. If I go to replace a plug should while I'm at it, replace all 4. Any advice appreciated. G