day to day usage

[Hanksy]

I use my bongo as an everyday Vehicle so the mileage does go up quicker than you lot who only use them for camping etc.

My Question is ....do you really really have to do an oil change every 3000 miles?

Ta
Stu

[helen&tony]

Hi
6000 Kilometers is the usual favoured by many of us, if you use a quality oil, and change the filter at the same time...It helps to make sure that your engine stays healthy longer.
By way of interest , I use Elf semi-synthetic 10-40 , but they have a new one called Evolution SXR 5-40, which states that it's suitable for turbo diesels, so it should be good for all-year use!...I use Bosch filters, which I find to have been the best over quite a number of others....the yardstick being the engine noise on startup, and average running noise over the period of 6000 Km.I have used the Bongo as a daily vehicle for 8 years, but have another 4x4 for the winter this year!
Cheers
Helen

[rita]

I use my bongo as an everyday Vehicle so the mileage does go up quicker than you lot who only use them for camping etc.

My Question is ....do you really really have to do an oil change every 3000 miles?

Ta
Stu

Hi,
both Castrol and Comma recommend 6000 mile or 12 month,whatever comes first,for the WLT engine,when using their recommended product.

[Simon Jones]

I always used to stick to 3000 miles for oil changes on my previous Bongo. I know oil formulations have improved since the WLT engine first came out, but the oil in a turbo diesel engine is having to work pretty hard and soon turns black with carbon deposits. I'd rather change the oil frequently to keep the engine in peak condition than risk unnecessary wear and tear.

It also depends how well the previous owners have looked after it (which is always a bit unknown). If regular oil changes have not been undertaken at the start of its life, then the damage will already have been done, so you're not going to be able to undo that now, but you can hope to minimise the future problems.

[helen&tony]

Hi
Simon...
That's precisely why I like to hover around the 6000 Km. mark...longer service periods are O.K. on a new engine, but the majority of Bongos are older engines with questionable history, but well capable of handling a few extra miles with good care, plus the fact that the Mazda engine is not exactly a modern diesel. If looked after well, they are great, but ignore them, and they can let you down
Cheers
Helen

[mikeonb4c]

Every 5k miles for me on my old diesel, do filter every other change

[francophile1947]

I used to do mine annually or 10,000 miles, whichever came first, using Shell 10W/40 oil. According to all the mechanics at the garage where I worked, all Japanese manufacturers used to over-service their vehicles, which was good for the aftersales department profits but totally unnecessary if using decent oils.

[mikeWalsall]

Ummm .. According to the hand book the Bongo V6 needs an oil change @ 15000 km .. or every 12 months ..

Even with me running on 'cleaner' burning LPG and only using fully synthetic oil .. I don't think I would like to double that time / mileage ....

[New Forest Terrier]

I go for an oil change every year as well with my V6. I was lucky enough to get the Japanese service history with it and that has been the pattern since 95, a service every autumn, so I have stuck to it. With modern oil it probably go longer, but with the age of the engine it probably needs it.

[Bob]

I wouldn't skimp on this, especially with a turbo diesel. No point in saving twenty quid on oil and blowing a thousand pound turbo.

I use a Pela pump to do the intermediate oil change and have a garage service annually or 10,000kms/6000 miles.

[teenmal]

One of the most demanding functions for the oil is the oil jets used to cool the pistons,most modern oils should cope with 6000 miles without any problem.

Cheers.