Sluggish Bongo - Turbo problem?

[dandywarhol]

It won't spin on - too light a turbine wheel

[BongoMTBer]

Should it not run totally free though?

[catzi]

UPDATE: Took the Bongo into a local diesel specialist, they reset the timing and adjusted the fuel pump. Went for a test drive and thought it was 'perhaps' slightly better but not a great deal of difference. The guy from the garage went out with me and told me that "You're not even tickling it" with the accelerator and that I shouldn't worry about revving it in lower gears.

The moral of the story is that the Bongo doesn't drive like my 140bhp Diesel Skoda Octavia!

[BongoMTBer]

Just ran mine with a bost gauge fitted (temporarily) and it was reading 0.8 bar (which is about 11.6 psi) at max boost. Not sure what the turbo is supposed to achieve, but I would be suprised if it was more than that.

I also took the cover off the diaphram on the pump that operates the fuel boost when the turbo spools up and checked it for sticking and signs of damage - none found. With the cover off, I revved the engine and pressed the plunger and it pumped out loads of black smoke, so I am happy that is working too

Perhaps I am just looking for faults that are not there.

[dandywarhol]

8.7 - 10.6 psi are the tolerances

[BongoMTBer]

Thanks Dandy.

[iPoi]

I just had a problem with a sluggish bongo and a lot of noise following a pop. It turned out to be the inlet hose coming off the inlet manifold. I would suggest checking the hose between the turbo and the intercooler and the inlet manifold for leaks/disconnections as this could be the reason for not developing pressure.

[BongoMTBer]

Thanks iPoi.

I did that and checked the pressure. All was well on the pressure front.

Having driven it again, I am still sure something aint quite right though. When I apply moderate throttle (just before point of kick down) there is a distinct lack of power as the vehicle accelerates, but if I hold that throttle position it suddenly comes in a surge at about 2200 rpm when in top lock up gear. It is as if something in the fuel metering system is taking it's time to repspond. Does anyone know if there is a schematic diagram available for the fuel pump on the bongo?

I am sure I will get a result eventually, after all I am supposed to be an aifrcraft jet engine specialist, and the fuel scheduling for a diesel engine aint that different

[bongomaan]

have you checked the fluid in your autobox ?,check for color(red) and smell (if it smells of burnt toast you could have a problem with your clutch pack) and of course level (check after 20 or so miles,with foot on f/brake after running gear selector up and down box),hope i havent spent half an hour typing this because you already know it....good luck....neil...

[BongoMTBer]

Thanks Neil

I have carried out full functional and level checks on the transmission and all is well.

[zimmer]

Had a similar problem and it turned out to be the air filter was very clogged. Just an idea, sure you'll have tried it.

[BongoMTBer]

Certainly runs better with it removed. I have a K&N being delivered on Monday

[BongoMTBer]

So.....

2 bottles of Redex... running better

Then

New K&N... running better

Then

Veg oil from Tesco at 80p a litre running 50/50 with diesel... going brilliantly now! It really does like the veg oil. I used to run my XUD engined Pug on it, and it didn't feel any different. Bongo loves it!

[scanner]

So.....

2 bottles of Redex... running better

Then

New K&N... running better

Then

Veg oil from Tesco at 80p a litre running 50/50 with diesel... going brilliantly now! It really does like the veg oil. I used to run my XUD engined Pug on it, and it didn't feel any different. Bongo loves it!

Have a fuel filter handy - the veggie could be cleaning a lot of crud out of your fuel system.

[BongoMTBer]

Cheers scanner, I have one on the shelf ready to go.

I did flush the entire fuel system through with aviation fuel recently and replaced the filter then, and it was quite cruddy. Will keep an eye on it though cheers.