SOS! Bongo mechanic in Dumfries area

[sharon]

So, my Dad got back from his holiday and yesterday helped me get in at where the banjo filter should be. But wasn't. Nothing was in there, no spring, no filter.

Is this unusual?

[Northern Bongolow]

no.

[sharon]

AH ok, I did wonder. Will there never have been one?

So, i've checked the things I am able to check and it's not the fuel cap and there is no banjo filter to clean. What would the next sensible port of call be before handing it over to a mechanic?

Going back to this comment

It starts perfectly, it just then doesn't rev up. As in no power for ages, 30 secs, a minute maybe before it'll try. It is then not smooth while driving, improves a bout after a while, but that's maybe a while like 15 / 20 mins, and even then its not totally smooth.

sounds like several glowplugs have failed (normal for this time of year). any GOOD garage should sort this out.
glow plugs work until the bongo has reached about 50 deg c which can take 10-20 mins dependant on heaters on etc. BUT if the motor is revved above about 950 revs the glowplugs turn off until the revs drop below 950, repeat repeat until it reaches 50 deg c. in the meantime the thing chugs and pops and chucks out white smoke.

note there are 2 lengths of glow plugs 83mm and just over 100mm for the bongo, make sure they ft the correct ones.

Do glowplugs therefore continue to function once you are actually moving?

[Northern Bongolow]

see the glowplug relay thread thats running now.

i would change the glowplugs,cost about a tenner each, and fitted in ten mins.
they tend to fail or be noticed at this time of year.

edit.
yes there was one but nothing harmed without it.
and yes they do still come on when the bongo is moving.

[sharon]

Hello again!

A further update... we (my dad) changed the glow plugs.

The problem persists

It's getting steadily chuggier as it starts and has conked out a couple of times after starting, until the revs climb.

Things are being eliminated, but I'm not sure what to look at next?

[Driver+Passengers]

I forgot to mention something else, which I suppose I thought is unrelated. Black smoke. Like from Lost. Lots of black smoke when starting and accelerating.

Wonder if the EGR has gunged up the intake manifold. Lots of black smoke is combustion being starved of air, isn't it? Someone's air intake manifold was so badly restricted it looked likes a Scot's artery! Just a thought.

Shame I'm not nearer you, I'd come and give you a hand.

Matt.

[g8dhe]

Did you actually check that there is voltage getting to the Glow Plugs ? Its not been unknown for the fuse to blow, the fuse is a non-standard one fitted within the lead just behind the battery;

Best to check that there is +12 volts getting to the glow plugs as well as checking the fusible link.

[sharon]

*no level of understanding in my brain*

Would that not mean that it wouldn't start at all though?

[g8dhe]

No the engine might well start, but with smoke and slowly and lots of chugging, diesel Plugs are not the same as Petrol Plugs (A petrol engine won't start if the plugs aren't firing)

[Northern Bongolow]

if there is 12 volts to the plugs check the 2 solenoids next to them, (the ones that had to be removed to fit the glowplugs) the pipe/s will poss be off or the connections broken off, or the white plugged one will be seized up inside.

[sharon]

So a further update.... the problem persists

fuel filters changed, banjo filters looked at (there wasn't one), pipes checked for blockages, connections checked, glow plugs replaced (and the voltages tested), the cold start throttle adjusted, a valve has been introduced in case fuel was draining, and the injectors tested and fixed (one was faulty) ...

And nothing has changed, the revs still take an age to come up when started.

It's been with a mechanic (a new one!) for over a week now... fingers are being pointed questioningly at the fuel pump, but it's not got any leakages. And of course once it's been running, it is all fine.

So.... i think any further suggestions would be very welcome indeed!

[MountainGoat]

Have you tried this garage Sharon, someone posted it as suitable. No experience of it myself, not in my area.

Crawford Car Centre, 4-9 Cranford Street, Greenock, PA15 1YN, tel: 01475 787540.

Tony

[sharon]

Oops! Just realised I needed to update my profile!! I am no longer a Glasgow girl, but back to being a Galloway lass.

Thanks anyway Tony

[Furydav]

Oops! Just realised I needed to update my profile!! I am no longer a Glasgow girl, but back to being a Galloway lass.

Thanks anyway Tony

did you try bridge end garage in dumfries?

[Jim the Box]

Think we need to update the approved bongo garages list for Scotland, there seems to be a lot of names appearing, that are not on the forum official list. We could start a thread listing guys we have used in our area listing their skills and attributes.
Can't find Matt (coolant specialist) listed anywhere

Jim...