Blower Fan Blues

Vanmanerik · Post by **Vanmanerik** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:28 pm

Hi Mike, I think it was predominantly due to the heater matrix bing cleaned. There was an 'adequate' flow of air before cleaning and the fan wasn't running slow prior to cleaning it was just that I had to repair the resistors because the fan stopped running and while I was in that area I thought I would lubricate the bearings anyway just in case they were getting a bit stiff.

I really cannot put into words the state the heater matrix was in, I think if you can imagine a black layer of sticky felt about 1/8th of an inch thick all over the matrix you will not be far wrong. So once this was removed then the air flow would improve considerably and reduce any chance of germ laden air entering the cabin.

I just wished I had a small digital camera to record these events and then they could be seen to be believed.

Jefferson · Post by **Jefferson** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:09 am

Interesting development that Vanmanerik. Useful information to have for future reference.

The strip down was relatively straightforward so other would be mechanics need have little fear in tackling jobs on this part of the system.

Looked at my matrix, when stripped down, but it looked in reasonable order. The fan appears to be delivering a good draft of air so I will 'Carry on regardless' unless it begins to reduce power later.
Thanks for the tip

Vanmanerik · Post by **Vanmanerik** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:39 am

Nice one Jefferson

My Bongo is 1995 vintage but of course we do not know whereabouts in Japan it spent the majority of its life. From the sound of things if yours was relativlely clean mine must have been in a real industrial area to have got so dirty.

Jefferson · Post by **Jefferson** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:37 am

Cheers Vanmanerik,
Mine is also a 1995 veteran, will we get an extra heating allowance for them next year? If Bongo life is similar to canine life they must be entering their 60's this year?

I am hoping my Bongo spent its early years, in Japan, in the mountain region,owned by a Shinto Monk who was in to Yogi Flying rather than driving.

Vanmanerik · Post by **Vanmanerik** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 12:44 pm

I am sure that is possible, unlikely but possible.......

For their age I think Bongos are remarkebly sound vehicles, I know there are not too many around but even so on the forum I have only really heard of one rust bucket being purchased.

So a bit of tender loving care and I think they will go on for ever, it makes me mad when I read in the forum some of the tortures people put their Bongo through, but its their motor - they can do what they want with it.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 1:14 pm

V interesting little thread this Vanman. I think I'll put checking the heater fan matrix on my list of jobs. Like you, I think the Bongo has potential to be great for a long time, so I'm happy to do jobs that improve it.

Its a Classic!

Mike

Jefferson · Post by **Jefferson** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 3:22 pm

As Vanmaneric says,

"For their age I think Bongos are remarkebly sound vehicles, I know there are not too many around but even so on the forum I have only really heard of one rust bucket being purchased"

Prior to and since buying the Bongo and joining the forum I have been all over the old lady like a rash! As you all seem to comment, they seem remarkably free of rust for their age. Mine is sound as a bell underneath but not Waxoiled or protected.

Just in case Ladybong realises she is exposing her nether regions to the elements!

I will now be starting the hunt for firms who carry out this treatment in hailing distance of Crewe.

I read somewhere that a firm in Altrincham does a good, but expensive job I will try to source a garage a bit nearer home first.

Thought I might be cheeky and approach Bentley Motors, which is just down the road, but had second thoughts that they may not be skilled enough to deal with such a refined chariot as a Bongo.

Vanmanerik · Post by **Vanmanerik** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 8:15 pm

I keep a can of Waxoyl handy with a small container and a paint brush, if I am ever underneath, had a wheel off, draining the rad or whatever takes me to Bongos lower regions I always put a layer of Waxoyl on all the exposed bits and pieces I can reach. OK so there are hidden voids such as in the sills etc. but I think you can buy Waxoyl in a spray can with a extended nozzle. So I imagine a pro Waxoyl is around the £100.00 mark and if you have the time and incination to do it yourself you can get an awful lot of Waxoyl for £100.00.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 12:17 am

If you want to go for the expensive, but excellent option Jefferson the firm is Chassis Clean and they are near Rostherne. 100% recommended, but not cheap at around £400

smartmonkey · Post by **smartmonkey** » Mon Jul 02, 2007 11:08 am

It's dirt cheap at £400 Mike. If it's the firm I have heard about the fee is a bargain. Your van just will not rust after it has been done and if you are going to keep it you can't get better value than that.

A cheap job just doesn't do enough for long term security. I have trade high pressure injection gear and a two post ramp and I couldn't do it in less than half a day (excluding 2 hours pressure washing the day before). I could blast a bit of waxoyl on in about 20 minutes and fool Joe Public though.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:09 am

SM - spot on. The guy at Chassis Clean said a company doing a similar job in the W Mids charged around £700. Chassis Clean is where I'd go if I wanted to leave feeling I had done the very best that was possible. No doubt at all about that. And they arent making Bongos any more (as my Mum used to say about buying land) so its probably a good investment whether you plan to keep or sell the Bongo.

Mike

Blower Fan Blues

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