Bongo Fury

hi guys i need to get freeda serviced, but i was wondering how hard it is to do? the only bits that concern me are the fuel filter and glow plugs, firstly where is the fuel filter, and if i do it myself will i have to bleed the fuel system after or does it sort itself out? and with the glow plugs are they just like doing spark plugs? i have to take one out to know what size it is anyway before i order them, and what about the gearbox oil? how often should that be changed? and is that a simple job?

thanks in advance

its a 2.5 diesel 1996 by the way

fuel filters easy enough ,under drivers seat

so are glow plugs though a bit more spanner works envolved

im sure there is a faq sheet on both

if you have a pela pump then the oil in box should be easy

without its a pain as sump has no drain

and box is filled above level of gasket

so it can get messy

but bar that its just plain spanner work

Fuel filter can be very tight so you may need a strap wrench.

Are the glowplugs knackered? Changing them is a little trickier than the other items you mention and a few have had problems (tight glowplug breaking on attempts to undo it, shorting of plugs onto glowplug rial when wrong length purchased and fitted). Alway buy good make of plugs (NGK I think?)

Gearbox oil. Decide whether to fit a new gasket. Remember to ensure scrupulous cleanliness and no chance of wind driven grit getting into the exposed parts when gearbox sump removed. Make sure you understand how to get the max. of oil fluid out plus how to check you've put enough new stuff back in and that fluid level is OK (and clean the filter while you do the job).

best tip ive heard for doing glow plugs is make sure the engine is very cold before doing the job,preferably not run that day,and when you put in the new ones follow the tightening torque setting guide,so you can get them out next time.

the difference in glow plug length is above the thread so you should be able to see iff you have long or short ones fitted without removal.

If you are going to do the glowplugs - NGK are the ones to go for - make sure you put some Copaslip or something like it on the threads to stop them seizing in the head - I found out the hard way after using cheap plugs - one welded itself in the hole and snapped halfway down the thread and rendered the head as scrap. Don`t let my little tale of woe put you off. Just remember it is an alloy head so don`t got mad when tightening them up.

if you have a pela pump then the oil in box should be easy

whats a pela pump?

Are the glowplugs knackered?

not sure but getting some spluttering on start up so gonna change them

the difference in glow plug length is above the thread so you should be able to see iff you have long or short ones fitted without removal.

dont suppose you know what the measurements are?


cheers guys

Are the glowplugs knackered?

not sure but getting some spluttering on start up so gonna change them

the difference in glow plug length is above the thread so you should be able to see iff you have long or short ones fitted without removal.

dont suppose you know what the measurements are?


cheers guys[/quote]

if i remember right they are 86mm ish short, and 103mm ish long.
do a search on the forum, (top right tab)there is lots of info/measurement/which brand are best, stuff.

If you have no ratchet straps for a tight fuel filter, clean the filter with a splash of brake cleaner (this degreases it) then take an old tea towel or similar,wrap it around the filter, and grip with both hands with fingers locked. Grunting helps too!