Sluggish Bongo - Turbo problem?

[catzi]

Hello everyone,

I posted earlier about my Bongo seeming sluggish - most noticeable on any kind of incline (usually a small queue forms behind as I thrash my way up the hill). Have since changed the oil in the gearbox and cleaned the filter etc to no avail.

Decided to try removing the pipe between the fuel pump and the turbo (the one that commonly causes performance problems when it is disconnected). Took the Bongo for a test drive and the performance seemed no different to when it was connected. Reconnected and confirmed the performance was still the same on another test drive. From this simple test, I would think the turbo is either not working or is really underperforming . Looking in from both sides of the engine I can't see any disconnected / damaged pipes.

Think I'll have to go back to the supplier (it's under warranty) but before I do, anything else I can check with my limited mechanic's skills?

[Veg_Ian]

Which filter are you referring to - the air filter? Have you checked the banjo filter behind the fuel pump? The problem you describe can often be attributed to a blocked banjo filter. Do a search for banjo filter to find out how to remove and clean it.

[catzi]

I was referring to the gearbox filter.

As for the banjo filter, I haven't got one - must have been removed at some time in the Bongo's past.

Should also add that I can happily get to 70/80 on the motorway if I need to. Just takes its time getting there - especially on hills (visions of throwing things out the window to lose weight).

Also - people speak about the turbo whoosh - can't say I've noticed anything over the general engine/road noise.

[scanner]

I was referring to the gearbox filter.

As for the banjo filter, I haven't got one - must have been removed at some time in the Bongo's past.

Should also add that I can happily get to 70/80 on the motorway if I need to. Just takes its time getting there - especially on hills (visions of throwing things out the window to lose weight).

Also - people speak about the turbo whoosh - can't say I've noticed anything over the general engine/road noise.

The whoosh varies between Bongos mine doesn't whoosh much at all but still goes well (lots better than you say yours does) so don't rely on sound alone.

[bigdaddycain]

A knacked turbo is usually accompanied by clouds of smoke catzi, it sounds like a boost problem...I'd return the bongo to your dealer sooner rather than later really.

[missfixit70]

Have you checked wheher the pipe is blocked or holed?

[bigdaddycain]

Have you checked wheher the pipe is blocked or holed?

Catzi said there was no difference in performance with the pipe removed kirsty,that implies to me that the pipe is ok.

[missfixit70]

Have you checked wheher the pipe is blocked or holed?

Catzi said there was no difference in performance with the pipe removed kirsty,that implies to me that the pipe is ok.

to me it says the pipe MAYBE isn't doing what it's supposed to, I assume we are talking about the pipe from the turbo to fuel pump?

[mikeonb4c]

A knacked turbo is usually accompanied by clouds of smoke catzi, it sounds like a boost problem...I'd return the bongo to your dealer sooner rather than later really.

I agree - its their problem to sort. If they are a long way away in fuel costs and time, maybe they would consider subbing the work to a local (turbo?) specialist? Maybe mention the banjo (lack of) filter at the same time? Try the diplomatic approach first before getting firm with them I guess. Good luck

[scanner]

Have you checked wheher the pipe is blocked or holed?

Catzi said there was no difference in performance with the pipe removed kirsty,that implies to me that the pipe is ok.

If the pipe is blocked or holes it won't work whether it's fitted of not - it has to transmit the pressure produced by the turbo to a device that tells the injector pump how much blow to allow for.

If it's holed that pressure will leak away before it can do it's job and if the tube is blocked the extra pressure never gets through to tell the pump to add more fuel, so it never knows if the turbo is working or not.

[dandywarhol]

Take the rubber hose off the turbo outet (the one that goes down to the intercooler), start the engine and see if it blows air when you rev it

[catzi]

When I took the pipe off, (not the one Dandy has referred to) I had a look at it and checked I could blow through it. I doesn't look damaged and certainly isn't blocked.

Will try taking off the pipe as suggested by Dandy and see what happens.

Meantime I'll give the supplier a phone.

[oldgit]

I thought there wasn't a banjo filter iin my pump as it's quite deep inside the hole, I tried again with a piece of soft wedge shaped wood, and the filter came out stuck on the end, I had to clean it several times before it stopped getting blocked, and the Bongo has gone like a dream since. Best of luck with yours.
Tom

[BongoMTBer]

Did you get anywhere with this?

[BongoMTBer]

I am sure mine has been loosing power, with what feels like the turbo being slow to spool up. I took the inlet pipe of my turbo and spun it with my finger and it is not running freely. The best I can describe it as is not stiff, but does not spin on when I let go. Is this normal?