No boost until 3200rpm

[Tur80]

Had exactly the same problem with mine, It turned out to be the injector pump.

[BongoMTBer]

Cheers tur80.

Did you have the pump replaced or repaired?

What did it cost.

Thanks,

Sam.

[alancopson]

In answer to your question, BongoMTBer, mine's a '95 2.5turbo.

I've only just purchased the vehicle, so not had time to get it serviced. It may be that sorts it all out for me.

My lack of power issues are quite similar to Berrega's here (http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 44#p379144). That too seems to be unresolved.

I guess there are a few under-powered Bongos out there!

Cheers,
Al.

[rita]

Hi Guys,

Some figures that will help you check your Rev Counter.

Gear Ratios
(mph/2000rpm) for each
gear.
1st – 11.2MPH
2nd – 20.4MPH
3rd – 32.0MPH
4th – 50.3MPH

+/- 8%

[BongoMTBer]

Well, I have had an enlightening day.

I took the bongo to a diesel pump specialist and explained the symptoms and he straight away said that he too though that it was something sticking in the pump. He said it can be either rod on the main rotor or the boost compensator plunger. Either way he said, take it off and £100 later it will be repaired and re-calibrated. I am going away again for a couple of months on Sunday, so will not be able to peruse this until Easter. In the meantime he said it is fine for me to keep running some veg oil in the diesel (which I explained significantly reduced the problem depending on the mix).

..... so I went to Bookers and stocked up with 60 litres, running at a 30/70 mix and she is running just fine. Looking forward to finally sorting this at Easter.

[BongoMTBer]

Just had a PM from Tur80.

His symptoms fit mine exactly including the veg oil mix (glad I wasn't imagining it!). A 2nd hand pump sorted his too.

Just as a note, I am totally pedantic and notice the slightest change in these types of things. A 'normal' person may be quite happy and not even realise they have this fault and may just accept it as part of the Bongo 'character'. I wish I could Guess that is what comes from looking after aircraft engines, where every problem has to be dealt with to the n'th degree.

Oh, and thanks Rita for the info. I am certain the tacho is fine.

[BongoMTBer]

A bit more info: http://home.comcast.net/~vwgtd/ve_180.jpg

[alancopson]

Hi Again,

My problems now seem to be mostly solved...

Previously, I'd fiddled with the Throttle Position Sensor which seemed to make a little improvement to the uphill performance.

I then added BG44K, recommended by my local KwikFit to remove diesel engine deposits. Had little effect, until I returned the TPS to its original position!

The result was a startling improvement in performance! Now accelerates much quicker and kicks down when it should. Could be coincidence, but much happier now.

My only performance gripe is that it still refuses to pull away sharply at junctions, so getting onto busy roundabouts can be a bit embarrassing. Engine revs seem too low before the auto drops the clutch.

Looking up BG44K today, their website seems to recommend BG244 for diesel, so check before pouring it in your filler!

I've also booked the van in for a service at Lakeside, so hope that will continue the improvements.

Cheers,

Al.

[alancopson]

Hi all,

Further to my post above, the performance improvement ummm... improves!

After a full service at Lakeside, including adjustment to the timing and replacing the seals in the fuel pump, throttle response and kickdown is much better. Still not amazing pulling into traffic, but it may be I've been spoiled by driving around my knackered but nippy mx5.

Daren at Lakeside suggested that some Bongos just don't seem to have as much go in them as others. However, he said it was obvious mine was underpowered when I brought it in.

Happy Bongoing!

Al.

[skater]

at junctions etc try left foot holding on brake, right foot revs to beginning of boost, 2000ish
then release left foot when the gap arrives and press right as much as required.
use sparingly i would suggest

ps worth a practice somewhere quiet first to suss it out

[dandywarhol]

Use very sparingly! - it's an ideal way to overheat the gearbox fluid!

[alancopson]

Thanks for the tips! Will use sparingly... only when I'm having real trouble escaping a side turning!

Cheers,
Al.

PS. Skater... just sent you a follow-up PM and a reply on the Chunkier Tyres discussion (http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 44&t=38049)
Thanks again for your help.

[BongoMTBer]

Mine is in with a diesel specialist now. Should be picking it up this afternoon so fingers crossed.....

[BongoMTBer]

Got it back and it is sorted. It was the rod in the boost compensator which acts against the cone operated by the diaphram. The rod was sticking leading to a lack of fuel when the turbo spooled up.

The compensator unit was removed from the pump, the seal replaced (which was breaking up causing the sticking) and all is good now.

Just to clarify for anyone reading.

1: The was a lack of boost, sometimes up to 3200 rpm.
2: A general lack of low down torque.
3: Syptoms went away when engine was cold.
4: No syptoms when used with a stong mix of veg oil/diesel.
5: A fairly subtle fault, that if the vehicle had it from the beginning of ownership, or if you tried veg oil and then went back to diesel, you probably wouldn't even know.

Cost me £60 + VAT to have fixed. Anyone wants to know where, then PM me.

[dandywarhol]

I wonder if there's any possibility veg oil affected the diaphragm