My bongo went pop on the A14 !

[abramson37]

Hi,

We have recently purchased a bongo and were travelling back from hull to london when we heard a loud bang and black smoke emitted from the exhaust.

We were towed back and have today had a mechanic look at the vehicle briefly and his opinion (without stripping the engine) was that the engine had ceased and suggested that there may be 23 mechanical hours to put the problem right. Now presumably this sounds like a new engine....

Myself and my wife are in no way mechanically minded so does anyone have any suggestions or advice. We would be very grateful.

We live in herts / north london so if anyone can recommend help that would also be welcome x[/b]

[jaylee]

Hi, sorry to hear about your bad luck Abramson37, I have a guess as to what caused the problem... But it's only a guess..

I don't actually trust myself with a spanner, but there are some fantastic techies on here to give advice.. So hang about!!

My guess is cam belt snapped..?? Nah thas wrong..!

[dave_aber]

Pop and black smoke - my first thought was a cambelt snap too.

[missfixit70]

Or snapped camshaft, especially if the heads been skimmed at any point? It's a bit of a how long's a piece of string question really Just make sure the garage know what they're doing with bongos, or you could end up throwing a lot of time money & stress in its direction & still end up with a crap job.
Have you got any idea of the vehicles history? was it a private or trade sale?

[abramson37]

Hi

The cambelt has been changed only two weeks ago, the mechanic today said the cambelt was fine....

[abramson37]

Hi miss fixit,

the vehicle was a private sale, we had a mechanic check it over before we bought it, but that was only to give it a run.

[Northern Bongolow]

give julian at 321 away a shout, he knows his bongo's well. it may be something simple or something a bit more expensive,but either way you will be in good hands.