Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo
Moderators: Doone, westonwarrior
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k6chris
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by k6chris » Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:33 pm
Hi all, I have now looked at my 4th Bongo

but the one I came across today had significantly more oil around the engine cover and on the transmission. I have posted the photos below but the question is "is this too much oil or is the amount on display here the norm?"
Also the expansion container looked very yellow/brown (again "too brown or normal"?
All comments welcome.
Chris
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Muzorewa
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by Muzorewa » Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:38 pm
I thought you were looking for a 4WD?

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k6chris
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by k6chris » Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:41 pm
Muzorewa wrote:I thought you were looking for a 4WD?

I am, but I have decided to look at as many Bongos as I can, so when I find a good one (4x4) I can pounce......hence trying to understand where the "good/dog" boundary is!
Chris
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Muzorewa
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by Muzorewa » Tue Nov 23, 2010 4:47 pm
Ah, that makes sense. I was going to say that someone has stolen the front prop
Take note that there are some 4WD that have been converted to 2WD (for various reasons) by just removing the front props. Some that are stickered up as 4WD were never 4WD either
Check the number on the ID plate on the door pillar (can't remember which side), SGL3 are 2WD, SGL5 are 4WD.
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mikexgough
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by mikexgough » Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:30 pm
Unipart Oil filter......

Exp tanks yellow due to UV .........
Conversant with Bongo Top Pinion Oil Seals
Bongo owning Velotech Cycle Mechanic
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haydn callow
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by haydn callow » Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:50 pm
looks o.k.to me
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k6chris
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by k6chris » Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:58 pm
One thing to add, when I put the heather fan on, it made one *HUGE* racket...really noisy. Is that something expensive to look out for?
Cheers
Chris
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scanner
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by scanner » Tue Nov 23, 2010 7:59 pm
That's less oil than on my engine ATM, but then it hasn't had any TLC for way too long.
To me that looks like the colour of the coolant in the header tank, rather than the colour of the tank itself - but could be wrong.
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haydn callow
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by haydn callow » Tue Nov 23, 2010 9:54 pm
That tank would look a whole lot better with a Low Coolant Alarm Sensor in it (I'll get me coat)
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kev2477
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by kev2477 » Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:19 pm
i was gonna say that there's screws missing from the header tank

a weekend wasted, is not a wasted weekend.
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mister munkey
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by mister munkey » Tue Nov 23, 2010 11:04 pm
Don't think theres anything to worry about from those pics. That oil weep is from the rocker cover gasket - very normal. It looks better than mine to be honest.
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andyb36
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by andyb36 » Wed Nov 24, 2010 8:39 am
hi chris
just keep looking - and keep your options open
any unusual noises etc - walk away and keep looking
dont forget to try the roof if its an aft - make sure it goes up in a one,r and see if its greased or lubricated
you told me your budget - and you should be ok
you will find one - you will now see the very good to the reasonable to the bad
andy
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platty345
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by platty345 » Wed Nov 24, 2010 9:48 am
Hi, Pm Granitetim he his selling he's bongo, Very well looked after motor, He is not far from you in derbyshire.
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k6chris
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by k6chris » Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:29 am
Another point, on a different Bongo, I saw the oil filter was covered in Japanese writing. I am assuming the most likely cause of this is that the oil filter has not been changed since import??
Thanks
Chris
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Muzorewa
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by Muzorewa » Wed Nov 24, 2010 10:31 am
Very likely. And it's not like the oil filter is expensive or difficult to change, you can then draw your own conclusions about any other maintenance....