Strange smell

[Toblerone1972]

I have a Bongo 2.5 Td 1995 which I bought last year from 321away. I've recently been getting a smell in the cab area which I would describe as like burnt or cooked onions. This happens intermittently and is only noticeable when the vehicle is stationary. A mechanic friend had a quick look around, inspected the engine and checked the gear box oil which he said looked fine.

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

[Bongolia]

Could it be a coolant leak somewhere that can smell a bit oniony.
Are you loosing any coolant?
Heater matrix? Is it worse with blower on?
Other than that no idea!

[Toblerone1972]

Thanks for your reply.

I did have to top up the coolant a while back but
it's been consistent since. I think it is more noticeable when the fan is on, I'll check. Is the heater matrix expensive to replace?

[mikeonb4c]

Another thing that happens to old diesel Bongos is they develop leaky fuel pump seals (though the smell then diesely, no surprise there then ha ha). But the point is that with engine sitting in an upturned bowl inside the cab then smells will try to rise into the cab especially when stationary. Have you lifted the engine covers to check for any leaks of coolant or oil, maybe dripping onto something hot like the exhaust. Do checks with engine running and hot so all liquids are being pumped and most likely to leak. A workaround (but not a fix) is a scavenger fan over-ride switch, so you can purge fumes from engine bay when stationary. You could also check the latches for engine covers have sufficient tension in them to hold covers closed tight against the seal. They can be retensioned by bending the curved wire clips a bit.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Bongolia]

Thanks for your reply.

I did have to top up the coolant a while back but
it's been consistent since. I think it is more noticeable when the fan is on, I'll check. Is the heater matrix expensive to replace?

Its DIYable. Search on this site for leads to the procedure, the only problem you may have is bleeding the coolant system after but there is a Youtube video on that if you want to have a go.
May not be that though.

[mikeWalsall]

My heater / AC matrix honeycomb was well gobbed up with dirt /dust / debris / dead flies etc: .. I cleaned / deodorised it with Mr Muscle a paint brush and an hand held domestic steam cleaner ..

[Toblerone1972]

I think I might have got to the bottom of this. Having not driven the Bongo for a few weeks, I took it on a long drive over the weekend with no smell. However the steering wheel sounds like a rusty old bicycle wheel and feels heavier than normal. I'm going to take it to my mechanic friend to have a look, but would a power steering fluid leak cause that kind of odour?

[mikeonb4c]

I think I might have got to the bottom of this. Having not driven the Bongo for a few weeks, I took it on a long drive over the weekend with no smell. However the steering wheel sounds like a rusty old bicycle wheel and feels heavier than normal. I'm going to take it to my mechanic friend to have a look, but would a power steering fluid leak cause that kind of odour?

Sounds like it needs fixed anyway so maybe get it done then see if problems stop. Can ask garage if power steering fluid had been leaking onto anything hot?

[mikeWalsall]

It may not be the cause of the smell .. but the bearings in the two UJs on the steering column have been known to seize ..

I used motor cycle chain lube on mine .. goes on like a penetrating oil .. which turns into a sticky clinging grease ..

Also .. because decent motor bike chains have hundreds of 'O' rings ..its safe for contact with any rubber bits ..

[pip the bongo]

Another thing that happens to old diesel Bongos is they develop leaky fuel pump seals (though the smell then diesely, no surprise there then ha ha). But the point is that with engine sitting in an upturned bowl inside the cab then smells will try to rise into the cab especially when stationary. Have you lifted the engine covers to check for any leaks of coolant or oil, maybe dripping onto something hot like the exhaust. Do checks with engine running and hot so all liquids are being pumped and most likely to leak. A workaround (but not a fix) is a scavenger fan over-ride switch, so you can purge fumes from engine bay when stationary. You could also check the latches for engine covers have sufficient tension in them to hold covers closed tight against the seal. They can be retensioned by bending the curved wire clips a bit.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Hi I'm new to bongo ownership and to forums.
Looks like I'm having a similar problem with mine, its a 94 2.5l diesel. Thought I had a oil leak at first, but on closer inspection it seems a clear looking liquid which smells like oil. Its washing the oil off the engine and on to my drive. When I've been for a decent run out in it, it smells very oily but only outside, not inside. Its been into my local garage to check it out, and he reckons its fuel, but cant see where its coming from! Could it be from the fuel pump? If so, would it be worth me buying the pump seals from bongo land and get the mechanic to change them?
Many thanks in advance

[Northern Bongolow]

run your hand along the underside of the fuel pump, if its wet it will be the seals.

[Bob]

Good tip from Ady.

Regards buying the seals I would always prefer to just ask a garage to fix something rather than supply parts myself.

Reason being if there's a problem the garage might say the parts are faulty and the parts supplier may say they are fine and have been fitted incorrectly.

You're now between a rock and a hard place with Bongy off the road.

You can always explain to the garage where parts can be obtained if they can't find them, but better to use a Bongo Savvy garage who can source parts as required.

[mikeonb4c]

94 is a v early/old Bongo. If funds permit i'd be tempted to bite the bullet and fit a reconditioned unit. Bongospares sell them and fit them if you're anywhere near Halifax. DIY seal replacement can be fraught.