Gear changing when cold...

Big L · Post by **Big L** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:24 am

I have noticed that in the mornings when my bongo is still cold it wont change into 4th gear. I have to drive between 2 - 4 miles before it changes. I dont imagine this is normal, but perhaps someone can advise... Thanks

Harry · Post by **Harry** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:30 am

Its normal

H

Big L · Post by **Big L** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:45 am

thanks Harry for the prompt response. Good to know its normal
Cheers

DemonAV · Post by **DemonAV** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 12:21 pm

http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 6293#56293

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 2:12 pm

Horrible on very cold mornings - it won't go above 2nd (or something like that) until its warmed a tad. If all you do is v short hops on a v cold engine on a v cold day, I shudder to think what the mpg would be

Big L · Post by **Big L** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 3:53 pm

Generally around town I get about 500 km to a tank of diesel. I was however pleased when I went to London last week, after 400km the fuel guage was sitting just below half (say 1/3) Didnt manage to measure the consumption as I didnt get a chance to fill up before doing shorted trips around london.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:08 pm

That sounds about right (in relative terms at least). The Bongo is not good around town, or over hill and dale, but jumps noticeably to a really quite acceptable mpg on a long run if you take it easy at 65 mph and enjoy the view (and why not!).

Big L · Post by **Big L** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:15 pm

65mph.... it would have taken me days to get to london from rural west wales. I was doing more like 70+ mph or should I say "common speed" keeping up with the traffic.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 5:50 pm

Big L wrote:65mph.... it would have taken me days to get to london from rural west wales. I was doing more like 70+ mph or should I say "common speed" keeping up with the traffic.

I've been surprised at how little difference it usually makes to journey time (unless its v quiet on the road and you can - and are happy to, given olice cameras etc - maintain 80+mph). But yes, I actually tend to drift up to 70mph even so. Above that, Bongo economy starts to drop off I fear.

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 7:45 pm

Harry wrote:Its normal

H

Can't agree with that one Harry - it should go into 4th but not lockup (the torque convertor) until warm.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:30 am

My bongo "holds on" to the gears when stone cold a little longer,but i get 4th before the temp gauge has registered...just not lock up,till its warmed a little. (but i do get lock up before any heat comes out of the heaters)

Big L · Post by **Big L** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:35 am

You guys refer to "lock up". What do you mean?

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:39 am

It's a sort of overdrive facility that used to be a common feature on older manual gearboxes.

Its a "longer" 4th gear, if you will...

Better for motorway cruising,economy etc....

Big L · Post by **Big L** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:47 am

Cheers. I think i can relate to it now as I did notice it on the motorway and it seemed strange when it appeared to change another gear when I excellerated a wee bit more.

Thanks to everyone for your comments it certainly helps put ones mind at ease.

bigdaddycain · Post by **bigdaddycain** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 1:51 am

When in "lock up" the good torque characteristics of the bongo's diesel lump comes onto its own too!

With gentle manipulations of the throttle,the bongo will still pull up an incline at 40mph at less than 1500rpm!