Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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monkeyboybongo

Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by monkeyboybongo » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:33 pm

All,

Did a hour and a half in the bongo to the airport the other day. 15 mins into journey a noise developed that can only be described as a high pitch rubbing noise "just like grass hoppers in the bongo" so the Mrs said. The thing is it is doing my nut in. It does not change in frequency, loudness or pitch when there is a change in speed or engine revs and seems to come and go as it wishes. The only thing that is consistent is that it only seems to appear when she is warm.

Occurred mainly whilst driving but for a few seconds whilst stopped at lights. Left her for a few days but noise came back today. Sounds like something is rubbing and sounds like a rotary type noise but havn't thought of a componant that remains at same speed throughout driving....hence my prognosys below

The only thing I can think of is something that is expanding when hot and chaffing or rubbing to cause the noise or would something like a loose exhaust manifold/cracked manifold be a culprit coupled with engine vibration?

I hope to get her up on sticks over the weekend but wondered if you can relate to my issue. I know its a question to ask call but you never know!

Typically we're off on a 3 week cruise around europe in 2 weeks so want to get this fettled asap.
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by scanner » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:36 pm

It wouldn't be the infamous snapped manifold stud would it?

That is said to be a chirruping noise.
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by mister munkey » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:44 pm

Wheelquick describe the studbust as a "Budgie in the cab" sort of sound.

Could that be similar?
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monkeyboybongo

Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by monkeyboybongo » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:45 pm

If it were to be that, Whats the fix and how quick can I get it done?

Any way to get a quick look at said stud and can I delay a repair and put up with noise?
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You've Been Bongod
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by You've Been Bongod » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:45 pm

hi there monkeyboybongo

when this accures do you by any chance have your blowers on?

if so could be the heater fan motor


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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by monkeyboybongo » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:51 pm

Noise defintiely is heard outside so would not have thought heater motor??? Correct me if I'm wrong, definitely louder when head peering out of window!
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You've Been Bongod
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by You've Been Bongod » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:59 pm

heater motor is outside under the bonnet though??

have you popped your seats up and checked your belts?


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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by cheffy34 » Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:39 pm

Sorry can't help :( nothing constructive to say i'm affraid :)


Buy a gecho :D

maybe lizard can help :D
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by The Great Pretender » Tue Jul 15, 2008 11:58 pm

monkeyboybongo wrote:All,

Did a hour and a half in the bongo to the airport the other day. 15 mins into journey a noise developed that can only be described as a high pitch rubbing noise "just like grass hoppers in the bongo" so the Mrs said. The thing is it is doing my nut in. It does not change in frequency, loudness or pitch when there is a change in speed or engine revs and seems to come and go as it wishes. The only thing that is consistent is that it only seems to appear when she is warm.

Occurred mainly whilst driving but for a few seconds whilst stopped at lights. Left her for a few days but noise came back today. Sounds like something is rubbing and sounds like a rotary type noise but havn't thought of a componant that remains at same speed throughout driving....hence my prognosys below

The only thing I can think of is something that is expanding when hot and chaffing or rubbing to cause the noise or would something like a loose exhaust manifold/cracked manifold be a culprit coupled with engine vibration?

I hope to get her up on sticks over the weekend but wondered if you can relate to my issue. I know its a question to ask call but you never know!

Typically we're off on a 3 week cruise around europe in 2 weeks so want to get this fettled asap.

If it "does her head in" and shuts her up can I have 1 for the wife. [-o< [-o< :lol:
It dosn't sound engine related, rad fan bearing dry?
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by jaylee » Wed Jul 16, 2008 1:56 am

just a thought... :idea:

If it sounds like Cicadas, water pump. :?:

Has been suggested before, make a stethoscope out of a funnel & some hose & pinpoint the noise that way.

I'm on a cruise to Poland in a coupla weeks too, might see yah... neverknow!! :wink:
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by monkeyboybongo » Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:33 am

How can you check the exhaust stud thingie? Easy to spot without taking much kit out??
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by scanner » Wed Jul 16, 2008 9:49 am

monkeyboybongo wrote:How can you check the exhaust stud thingie? Easy to spot without taking much kit out??

Under the passenger seat and check the exhaust manifold for any missing nuts - I think it is usually the frontmost one.
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by haydn callow » Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:18 am

The No 1 stud is the only one you can see without takeing things to bits. Above and right of the alternator and just on the edde of the metal heatshield thingy.
Easy to get fixed by a decent "hands on" garage 60/90 mins work at worst. Can be done in situ.
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monkeyboybongo

Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by monkeyboybongo » Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:05 pm

Just had a look at No 1 stud and doesnt look right. Stud is at an angle and no bolt on. Is this the cause? Also does any one have any photos to make sure I've got the right spot?

What parts do I need to fix this little problem? I live in Germany so would have to get a non-bongo familiar garage to conduct the work. Any cautionary tales would be welcomed.

Any idea of cost if I was to get a garage to fix it?

MBB!
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Re: Grasshoppers in my bongo!

Post by monkeyboybongo » Wed Jul 16, 2008 10:15 pm

Quick update. Took bongo out for a good 50 min drive and the noise happened minimal amount of times. Maybe 3 or 4 very quick squaks. If it is this exhaust stud, can it be that intermittant? I drove with the passenger seat up for a wee while and heard nothing suspicious. These noises are doing my head in!

It just sounds like something is rubbing on something for a split second then goes, almost like a belt slipping but has occurred at various engine speeds, occurrs while stationary...etc etc Any more ideas?

Also, if it was a water pump, as sugested, wouldn;t that change pitch with engine revs?
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