Fuel Pump? Fuel Filter? Battery???

[Thriller]

Help! Me again. Seems like my battery problem may be a whole lot worse than first thought.

Were meant to be going away tomorrow for the weekend so took the van out to keep her ticking over and put in petrol and LPG. As soon as we filled up both and pulled away the van struggled to start and kept cutting out.

On turning the ignition it appeared to me to be the battery had gone flat again so tried a jump from my conveniently local dad. No joy. Called Green Flag and a guy who had a good knowledge of Bongos pretty quickly suggested it sounded like more than the battery.

Even with his power pack connected we couldn't get the battery going so I'm still thinking the battery is goosed but he's suggested that it sounds more like the fuel pump or fuel filter.

It's a petrol 2.5 v6, starts on petrol then switches to LPG. He seems to think it's running fine on LPG and thus more suggesting its the fuel feed somewhere.

Any ideas?

[Bob]

I think we need a bit of info in order.

You say you pulled away, and then it struggled to start. Did it start ok on the forecourt and then cut out?

Then turning on the ignition the battery was flat. Were there no lights on the dash, or did it not turn over, or try to, when you tried to start it?

Your Dad tried to help by jump starting. Did he use jump leads or a booster pack?

The Green Flag chap used a booster pack, which did nothing, and he diagnosed a fuel problem, but only on petrol, but hadn't started it or got it turning over.

Could you have missfueled?

A booster pack will only turn the starter if it senses 1.5 volts at the vehicle battery. This is a safety feature to protect against reverse conection, but if the battery has gone open circuit nothing will happen. This could be a battery fault, hence why I asked if your Dad used jump leads.

Not meant to sound like an inquisition, but this will help diagnose the problem, which could well be multiple issues.

[Thriller]

It started but then immediately cut out.

Then when we tried again it would start but struggle to pull off further than 3-5 metres. Dash lights came on. It was then turning over but just not starting.

My dad used jump leads.

We got the van switched over to LPG and it ran for maybe 20 metres but was then completely dead.

Happy to answer any questions, I just want a trip away in my beloved van

[cmm303]

All earth straps checked?

[Thriller]

Heading to the garage now so I'll ask them about earth straps.

[Thriller]

If it's a fuel filter would people suggest getting that done by a specialist or can anyone do that?

[Bob]

I'd say any garage could do it.

It's only the cooling system on the diesels and V6s that really need special knowledge, although a Bongo Friendly garage can be useful when it comes to sourcing less common parts.

[Thriller]

It is a V6, does that make it tricky?

[Bob]

Only the cooling system need special knowledge on how to bleed it.

[Thriller]

Took it to garage, the said they can't identify the fault but it doesn't seem like fuel filter. They said they tried to diagnose it through the computer but could get the right connection. Surely if there was a fault there would be a light on the dash board?

Typically is now running well so not sure what to do. One garage​ just suggested a good service and change of fuel filter.

Thoughts?

[Gasy]

Is it starting and running fine now on petrol and LPG
Have you checked them earth straps , there's one from engine to chassi

[cmm303]

Took it to garage, the said they can't identify the fault but it doesn't seem like fuel filter. They said they tried to diagnose it through the computer but could get the right connection. Surely if there was a fault there would be a light on the dash board?

Typically is now running well so not sure what to do. One garage​ just suggested a good service and change of fuel filter.

Thoughts?

Not necessarily.
You've had symptoms that look fuel orientated but also electrical with the flat battery.
So I would start with the flat battery symptoms and check through all battery and alternator connections (live and earths), fuses, battery condition and alternator charging.
If it still isn't behaving with a good battery feed then move on to decide ignition vs fuel. Unless symptoms are obvious probably easier to check ignition first.

[the1andonly]

leaving the electrical issues battery/ignition, you run mostly on LPG.
How old is the petrol/ how much in tank?
modern petrols do not like hanging around unused and may be difficult to start.
probably just another question and not part of this solution

[rita]

leaving the electrical issues battery/ignition, you run mostly on LPG.
How old is the petrol/ how much in tank?
modern petrols do not like hanging around unused and may be difficult to start.
probably just another question and not part of this solution

Ah the bongo is a Modern vehicle.

[the1andonly]

Yes the bong oh is a modern vehicle in comparison to my petrol vehicles
my latest is a 87 750 gsx that does not like to be stood..
My lawnmower (B and S) also complains, but was designed in the roman era.
just realised my experience is with carbaretors
" what are they"?