Page 1 of 1
Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 3:00 pm
by Lucyf
Hi,
just joined here as we bought a 1996 bongo a few weeks ago, it has a few problems the main one being it has very little power, it is a 2.5TD but something is not working properly meaning it is really hard to get upto speed and so we cant drive it at the moment apart from in town as slip roads, hills, overtaking are all very scary! the garage had it in for a cambelt change anyway and i asked them to see what it was and they have said the '
Turbo wastegate control diaphram unit is faulty' that was a week ago and they havent been able to get back to me with a price as they said they are struggling to source this part.
Really just wanted to know if anyone else has ever had a prob with this or heard of it and where i might manage to soruce this, also if you know about bongo's is this likely to be what is causing our problem? the other main problem with it is that it keeps stalling when cold (its an automatic) and so we have to start it and sit for 10 minutes til its warmed up. These things are not helping my husband to find the bongo love as he now says he hates it and wants rid, i'm sure these problems can be rectified but any help or info would be much appreciated
Thanks
Lucy
ps we are in berkshire if anyone can recommend a garage?
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 3:22 pm
by jaylee
Hi Lucy, sorry to hear about yer problem.
Yep they do feel the weight when the turbo goes, don't they!
I had similar last Friday.

But it just turned out to be a big air hose on the front come loose/off on the turbo, & needed re attaching & tightening at the clip!
I had no stalling though.. But it was up to temp & I was sorted & on my way in minutes..
Does your garage know these vehicles??
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 3:29 pm
by Lucyf
Hi, I dont think they do know much about them no

they are reliable and pretty knowledgeable though which is why i was using them but now i am thinking someone who has worked on bongo's before would be what i need.......
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 3:54 pm
by jaylee
I would have thought any mechanic worth the salt if they had it for a week would have found a loose pipe..?
Try pm'ing someone on the breaking Bongo section, they could have what you need part wise!??
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 4:09 pm
by scanner
Lucyf wrote:
ps we are in berkshire if anyone can recommend a garage?
Discount Trucks, Newbury.
http://www.disctrucks.f9.co.uk/
Just wondering but - did it show these faults when you test drove it before buying?
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 4:24 pm
by Lucyf
scanner wrote:Lucyf wrote:
ps we are in berkshire if anyone can recommend a garage?
Discount Trucks, Newbury.
http://www.disctrucks.f9.co.uk/
Just wondering but - did it show these faults when you test drove it before buying?
Thanks, thought of that just now, will try and ring them! well stupidly when we test drove we only did a really short drive, round the block basically so wouldn't have realised the lack of power as that only seems to be an issue at any speed. It didnt stall but then he probably warmed it up nicely before we got there

we bought it as a private sale.
eta: also it doesnt always stall sometimes it doesnt do it for days then it will do it 4 times in one short journey
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 5:00 pm
by scanner
Oh!
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 9:55 pm
by Lucyf
Still trying to get hold of discount trucks will keep trying but in the meantime I just wondered if anone who knows about these things could tell me two things......
1. is it possible to fix the wastegate thingymibob or will it definitely have to be replaced?
2. Could the wastegate not working also be what is causing the stalling or is this likely to be a separate issue?
(the only other two things the garage have said need doing are the aux belt is perished and the rocker gasket needs replacing)
Thank you!

Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 10:47 pm
by dandywarhol
I'd get the cam timing checked again - lack of power AND stalling can be a result of timing out - ESPECIALLY after the belt was replaced
There's a good chance the wastegate diaphragm capsule is common to several turbos - phone a turbo specialist
Re: Turbo Wastegate problem?
Posted: Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:19 pm
by mikeonb4c
dandywarhol wrote:I'd get the cam timing checked again - lack of power AND stalling can be a result of timing out - ESPECIALLY after the belt was replaced
There's a good chance the wastegate diaphragm capsule is common to several turbos - phone a turbo specialist
Beat me to it! But rest assured, whatever it is Discount Trucks are simply the best in or near Newbury when it comes to Bongos. They won't do what doesn't need doing, and they WILL track down what the problem is. Might just be v. simple. You should mention the timing belt issue to them and get their opnion on whether it is safe to drive it. Since you are nearby, they may even offer to nip over and look at it and - if need be - retrieve it to their garage.
Once its working properly - you'll love it. Guaranteed. Keep the faith and good luck.
PS - I always reckon that, if you buy privately, you have to budget some dosh to one side just in case you get an issue like this