New bongo owner it's broken already ;-(

[2manymadmonkeys]

Hi just bought my first bongo and it really smokes on start up white smoke am I right in thinking its the glow plugs or is my van nacked already hope someone can help thanks ben

[dandywarhol]

If the white smoke clears after a few minutes it sounds like glow plugs, if it smokes continuously, there's probably a cooling system issue - "search" is your friend Ben

[francophile1947]

Is the starting lumpy? If so, white smoke would indicate glow plugs.
In this weather it's best to leave turning the starter for a few seconds after the glow plug light has gone out.

[2manymadmonkeys]

Yes it's lumpy and very smoky it got a manule glow plug switch

[dandywarhol]

...................but is it smokey ALL the time?

The manual override switch is to stop the glow plugs from glowing for up to 3/4 minutes in cold weather - maybe it's faulty - it isn't a standard fitment.

[2manymadmonkeys]

No it's not a standard switch it was done by owner before last. it smokes on start up but clears and is fine then you stop and park up leave it a bit start it up smokes again then clears when driving again

[dandywarhol]

Lift the driver's seat, put a test lamp/voltmeter between the glow plug rail and earth and switch on the ignition - should show battery voltage. If not then problem lies in the aftermarket switch or main relay (covered in plastic sheath behind the main battery) The relay should "click" on.

If there's life at the glowplug rail then the plug/plugs could be goosed. Remove the link bar and put an ohmeter between the top connector on the individual glow plugs and earth - should show around 1 ohmn.

[2manymadmonkeys]

Will talk to my dad that's to technical for me but will get him to check or may take to my local bongo garage

[dandywarhol]

Sorry

[2manymadmonkeys]

Is it still ok to drive it as it is ? Till I can get it fixed ?

[jaylee]

Is it still ok to drive it as it is ? Till I can get it fixed ?

What's the coolant level like in the header tank..?
If you cant see into the tank properly, dip a lolly stick to the bottom of the tank when the engine is cold... The level should come up from the tip of the stick 20mm..

[2manymadmonkeys]

Just above full

[jaylee]

Then i personally can't see why it cant be driven... (I may well be wrong.)
The law does get a bit funny about smoking up the highway... But, i think its the black stuff??

[2manymadmonkeys]

Yes she fine at speed only smoke bad on start up

[jaylee]

I would certainly start looking at the "after-market glow switch", the plugs.... & sorry to muddy the waters, possibly these too..? http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... m+solenoid

Bearing in mind the lumpy start thing...!?