Hi and some questions

[Bongo Boots]

Hello to everyone.

Two weeks ago we bought a '97 Bongo and I joined this site. Some excellent information that has been invaluable before we bought it and since then. Many thanks for that.

We think we've got a gem and are very pleased. I'll post some pics up when I get a minute. We took it away at the weekend for a one nighter and it was brilliant.

The things I think I need to do are:

1. Fit a leisure batter and 24v hook up. I've found an excellent sparky who will do this and I can buy the bits and he'll fit it. I think I need a battery harness - where do I get one? Trawled the posts but cannot find a direct link to anyone current. Then fit the biggest battery I can to fit the harness/available area. Get a split charger? Any recommendations? Fit a low power cut out to protect the battery if it runs low - any views? Anything I've missed?
2. Find a decent Bongo mechanic round my way - I live in Brockham near Dorking. On the techy front I tried to change the oil using a Pela pump - didn't work. Anyone ever used one of these? They are brilliant on 'normal' cars.
3. Sort out the rust bubbles round the arches - I've again found someone local who comes highly recommended so should be OK.

So, very happy so far and appreciative of this site.

Chris

[Bongolia]

Welcome Bongo Boots
Brilliant aren`t they! So versatile.
Not a lover of pumping oil out unless it hasn't got a sump plug.
Much prefer a good run then drop the oil and leave it to drain down for a good while.
Good luck on the arches.
I am in Carshalton I know of a good Bongo guy in Croydon if your other one doesn't work out.
Good luck.

[cmm303]

Karl Chadwick on a bongo Facebook group makes up LB harnesses which receive good rep. Not sure if he hangs out in this forum.

[Bob]

Welcome aboard.

To use the Pela you must get up to running temp, 20 mins drive at least. Cold or a run round the block won't do it, and pull the pipe back up 1/4" before you start.

[Bongo Boots]

Hi Bongolia,
The Pela gets as much oil out as dropping the sump,plug (apparently).
Thanks for the Croydon tip.
Chris

Welcome Bongo Boots
Brilliant aren`t they! So versatile.
Not a lover of pumping oil out unless it hasn't got a sump plug.
Much prefer a good run then drop the oil and leave it to drain down for a good while.
Good luck on the arches.
I am in Carshalton I know of a good Bongo guy in Croydon if your other one doesn't work out.
Good luck.

[Bongo Boots]

Thanks for the tip. I'll look him up.

Karl Chadwick on a bongo Facebook group makes up LB harnesses which receive good rep. Not sure if he hangs out in this forum.

[Bongo Boots]

Hi Bob,
I've used the Pela many times on my RX8. The problem with the Bongo was it kept feeding in and didn't seem to hit the bottom?!
Chris

Welcome aboard.

To use the Pela you must get up to running temp, 20 mins drive at least. Cold or a run round the block won't do it, and pull the pipe back up 1/4" before you start.

[mikeonb4c]

You have to feel for the sump bottom carefully with the Pela and not go too far or the probe can snag and it can then be a mare to get out. Not difficult at all though if you use good sense, gets all oil out and without the hassle/risk of oil on the drive if you get it wrong with a sump plug, plus no oily basin to clean up . Get engine hot before using pela so oil sucks up quickly. Used mine and not removed sump plug for 10 years now - great bit of kit.

[Bongolia]

Its no wonder the sump plug washer craftsman are a dying breed.

[Bongo Boots]

Thanks Mike.
It's weird the way it reaches a certain point and then seems to stop. If you push it it carries on until it's all in. Where on earth does it go?

You have to feel for the sump bottom carefully with the Pela and not go too far or the probe can snag and it can then be a mare to get out. Not difficult at all though if you use good sense, gets all oil out and without the hassle/risk of oil on the drive if you get it wrong with a sump plug, plus no oily basin to clean up . Get engine hot before using pela so oil sucks up quickly. Used mine and not removed sump plug for 10 years now - great bit of kit.

[Bob]

It just bends back on itself.

Push the pipe in gently until you feel/hear it bottom out then pull back about 1/4 inch.

You can guestimate how far down it needs to go by offering it up outside the engine.

[Bongo Boots]

Well that solves that one!

Thanks- had me mighty confused.

It just bends back on itself.

Push the pipe in gently until you feel/hear it bottom out then pull back about 1/4 inch.

You can guestimate how far down it needs to go by offering it up outside the engine.

[mikeonb4c]

Bob beat me to it, as he so often does, especially when there's a pump involved, though its usually sat on a bar.

[Bob]

[cmm303]

Thanks for the tip. I'll look him up.

Karl Chadwick on a bongo Facebook group makes up LB harnesses which receive good rep. Not sure if he hangs out in this forum.

Sells on ebay as karl_rooster. Helpful guy, just contact him.