Bongo garage around Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan

[Darryl]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and Bongo ownership so hope i am using the site as intended.

Bought 2002 V6 Petrol a few months ago 87,000 miles. Work completed so far;

Converted to LPG and after replacing most of the ignition (HT Leads, distributor, spark plugs etc)
Replaced 18 inch low profile with standard 15 inch Mazda alloys (very hard ride on 245/40/18)
Installed Thatcham alarm/immobilser to satisfy insurance company and reduce premium
Fitted Fiamma 4-bike rack

Bought the van from a dealer Van but it did not come with any service history. I am thinking about getting all of the fluids replaced (brake, transmission, coolant, differential) but my usual local garages are not filling me with confidence. Can anybody advise of a garage in the Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan area and also if i am being over cautious replacing all fluids.

The Van has been great for the last two months and wife + 2 kids all fit in ok.

Thanks

Darryl

[wishmaster]

I use A&S motors in Caerphilly, tel: 02920 859191, they've looked after my V6 for the past 2 years and they know their bongo's.

[dom_e]

I've used A&S in the past. I believe there's an alternative as well. Can't remember the details though. I'm sure somebody will be along to remind us....

[Darryl]

Thanks, would you also replace all the fluids or just get them checked by the garage?

[wishmaster]

Wouldn't hurt to change the coolant and ATF if you dont now when it was last done, ours were done when we purchased the bongo , ask the garage to check and replace or top up the other fluids if need be.

[Dr.Jekyll]

Coolant and ATF is all I would do TBH.

PM sent.

[Darryl]

Many thanks for the offer of help. I gave it back to garage i bought it from in Bridgend and negotiated a labour cost if i provided the parts. All good except they bottled out of doing the ATF as they did not want to drop the sump and no sump plug was what they were hoping for.

Goos to know almost all done, have had a quote for £200 from a Cardiff garage on Sloper road to clean out sump etc, i'm hoping this will stop the over revving problem it has developed.

In for LPG service next friday so fingers crossed..

Thanks all.

[Northern Bongolow]

the first thing i did with both of our bongo's was to change every fluid. you will be suprised on the difference it makes.
it makes good sense on an old motor . dont forget the brake fluid.

[Darryl]

Thanks, the ATF is the only fluid not to be changed so think i'll go for it and see what happens - it's only money and i'm starting to realise that being a Bongo'er and not mechanically minded is not a cheap hobby. Maybe i'll go back to smoking and drinking - it may be cheaper.

[zeberdy1]

there is auto box specialist in one of the streets off Alensbank rd. cleaned out the sump and filter, new oil good job and reasonable price.
Bob & Sue
PS sold my Bongo, yes I miss it, but needs must, still spotting you all on the rd.though!!!!

[Darryl]

Took Bongo to Sloper Road garage (supposedly bongo friendly) and paid £105 but ran like a complete bag of nails afterwards. Engine was hunting, cutting out and over-revving in every gear. Was told it needed a new gearbox and was quoted £800 for second hand and no guarantee.

Gave up and took it to an auto gearbox specialist who said they did not think the sump had been dropped or cleaned. They did the work again and now runs alot better but still not perfect.

Have been quoted £216 for new TPS inc fitting from Newport Mazda, may go for it to see if it resolves the issue.

[Dr.Jekyll]

Servicing and coolant changes can de done by a local guy in Cardiff, who has been working on them since 2007. I know he now looks after 7 bongo's from people for this site. Goes under the name of "The Bongo Shack"

[David Edwards]

Any phone or web details for him please, I will give him a ring.Thanks.