Diesel Dripping From Area of Pump -- In Spain -- Advice Needed

[Bluespanner]

Hi, On a road trip through France and Spain. Noticed the mpg was a little down compared to last trip. Being checking fluid levels before I move on to next destination and I noticed diesel dripping from what I think is the area of the diesel pump,under the drivers side. It only appears to drip when the engine is running. I'm currently on the costa brava so not near a bongo friendly garage. I do have tools with me. Is this likely get worse quickly? is there anything I can do to temporarily fix the leak? It appears to be coming from the lower back area close to the body of the engine. Any advice apprechiated. Thanks in advance

[mikeonb4c]

Hi, On a road trip through France and Spain. Noticed the mpg was a little down compared to last trip. Being checking fluid levels before I move on to next destination and I noticed diesel dripping from what I think is the area of the diesel pump,under the drivers side. It only appears to drip when the engine is running. I'm currently on the costa brava so not near a bongo friendly garage. I do have tools with me. Is this likely get worse quickly? is there anything I can do to temporarily fix the leak? It appears to be coming from the lower back area close to the body of the engine. Any advice apprechiated. Thanks in advance

Sounds like seal gone though usually you can drive on and just rest a big cloth (or even container) on the under engine cover to catch drips) and the leak is not enough usually to affect mpg. Unless you have small hands and good skills i wouldn't attempt DIY seal changing especially far from home. I'd see if you can find a (Bosch?) diesel specialist who might look at it. I expect they would want to fit an exchange pump and that will be expensive but something like that may be necessary anyway even when you get home. Shouldn't matter much if they are not Bongo specialists and you could always phone someone like Adrian at Japandirect in Bury (tell him i said to call) to talk Spanish diesel specialist through any Bongo specific issues. Good luck, keep us posted.

[Bluespanner]

Thanks Mike,Read a few posts and tried the following.Got a small 10mm socket to tighten the 2 10mm nuts that secure the dome shaped cover on the pump, where it looked like the leak might be coming from. One did feel a little slack, but unfortunately after starting the engine the drip appeared again after a minute. It looks like its further back than that dome cover, nearer the engine block. I've no idea whats back there and not tempted try anything else at momemt.

[Bob]

Many years of driving trucks suggests you can likely drive it home.

Keep an eye on the gauge though.

[mikeonb4c]

Many years of driving trucks suggests you can likely drive it home.

Keep an eye on the gauge though.

Agree Bob. And its amazing how a container sat under the drip will stay in place (according to the owner who did it though i did likewise with rags with mine for a year) and it would allow you to gauge rate of loss and even maybe to tip diesel back in tank if clean. Cut off bottom of plastic milk container might do.

[Northern Bongolow]

opposite the 2 ten mm nuts, on the other side of the pump nearest the engine, is 2 more ten mm nuts, you could try tightening them up. The dome plate and the opposite plate are the end plates to a piston that goes across the pump when you accelerate. you will probably find that the pump leaks more when you let off the throttle rather than accelerating.

ive added some glycerine to the fuel to swell the seals enough to stop it leaking, this lasted several years before a perm fix was needed, others have said a drink of brake fluid does the same but ive not tried this.

veg oil in known to make the seals leak worse so if on that try straight diesel.

last resort for the ferry home is a container underneath or they may not let you on if your making a lake underneath.

[Bob]

Good idea, Ady.

If you end up using a tray pop some cat litter in it.

[mikeonb4c]

Good idea, Ady.

If you end up using a tray pop some cat litter in it.

You could use it for a bbq come evening time

I'll fetch me firelighters

[peridot]

Are you heading further south or back into France?

I don't know how old it is but in the 'top tips' section of the site there's details of a Bongo mechanic in the Costa Blanca area:

“My name is Frank. I am a mobile mechnic in Spain and I am familiar with Bongos. I cover from Valencia to Alicante. If any of your members are passing through Spain and need assistance they can call me on 0034-667-401572 or 0034-622-090888. My email is [email protected].”