Intermittent Starting Problem

[wonkanoby]

years ago my wife used my bongo for her parcel deliveries

it started to play up starting,though she said nothing to me

she was convinced it was my 300 quid alarm

so she got some one to remove the alarm,and he binned the parts

10 quid on starter contacts was all it needed

[Bongo Beagle]

Thanks for the suggestions - you've all been a great help.

Years ago a neighbour had a Mk.1 Escort with solenoid problems and I remember having to give him a push to bump start it. Not an option in the Bongo, but the problem sounds very similar to the one I've got. I'll have a go at the basic electrical fixes and fit some new starter contacts and if there's no improvement I'll have a chat with my mechanic to ask him about the head gasket and overheating options as well.

[Ian]

Did this get solved? We have had someone on the phone with an identical problem with their diesel Bongo, engine difficult to start when warm after a 2 hour drive. Interestingly he said that it eventually started again after 10 minutes when he played around with the auto-shift.

[windywatson]

Hi Guys,
I once had an engine with very similar fault. Turned out (after a lot of visits to garage etc) to be worn fuel injectors. They where leaking & when the engine was cold started, it started well as the extra fuel that had leaked/dripped from the injectors into the cylinders acted like choking a cold engine. When stopped once it had been warmed up, the injectors would leak into hot engine cylinders & when trying to restart it had the effect of lifting the compression leading to a slower crank over & reluctance to start like a flooded engine would be. Set of new injectors later & a completely different drive. Better starting & more responsive engine.

[teenmal]

Did this get solved? We have had someone on the phone with an identical problem with their diesel Bongo, engine difficult to start when warm after a 2 hour drive.said that it eventually sta Interestingly he rted again after 10 minutes when he played around with the auto-shift.

Did the caller state whether the Engine is in fact turning over when they are trying to start . The Auto shift cure would point to an inhibitor problem .

[Tessie]

I had the non starting problem when I got my Bongo, just over seven years ago. Would start ok when cold, even if left standing for a few weeks, but then after running for a short time gave the impression of a flat battery .

I did all the usual of checking and cleaning starter motor and battery connections and even fitted new earth leads from battery to engine and body. Still after being run sometimes it would start and sometimes it wouldn't. It got so I was nervous about going out in it and always carried a set of jump leads as it would start when connected to another battery . I should add the alternator was charging well and there was no battery drain.

One day I went to collect a new leisure battery from a supplier but when I came to leave the Bongo wouldn't start again, after just doing about thirty miles . I decided to buy a new starter battery, to get me home, but the battery shop came out to the car park, tested the battery and refused to sell me a new battery as they said there was nothing wrong with mine and it just needed charging . I am an apprentice trained auto-electrician (many years ago now ) and used to build new batteries from scratch as part of my job so I know the technician did the testing correctly . They jump started the Bongo and away I went.

After having the the non starting problem a few more times I bought a new battery, from the place I had been for my leisure battery but had this one delivered to my home. I have never had the starting problem again with the new battery fitted , even when the Bongo has been left standing for a couple of months, and the same battery is still on the vehicle , although writing this will probably put a curse on it now ......but at around seven years old I couldn't complain if it gave up the ghost, but I probably would .

So I suppose I am suggesting that anyone who suffers the problem that is being discussed here could maybe try another battery, after checking all the leads and connections of course as you may have a peculiar battery that does not appear faulty but is, just like the one I had.

[Bongolia]

Tessie post.
When we carry out a service the battery is tested using a handheld device that employs an algorithm to indicate the condition of the battery, recharge ,bad and replace etc quick and simple.
Our company hack is a KIa Sedona 2.8 diesel and it would on occasion refuse to start being our own vehicle it was just jump started used and put away again. When we had time we tested the battery using the handheld and it came up with "good" ,a check with the load tester showed a rapid discharge. Replaced the battery and problem gone.

[Tessie]

Tessie post.
When we carry out a service the battery is tested using a handheld device that employs an algorithm to indicate the condition of the battery, recharge ,bad and replace etc quick and simple.
Our company hack is a KIa Sedona 2.8 diesel and it would on occasion refuse to start being our own vehicle it was just jump started used and put away again. When we had time we tested the battery using the handheld and it came up with "good" ,a check with the load tester showed a rapid discharge. Replaced the battery and problem gone.

My battery was tested with a load tester but still showed as ok. I can only assume that there was some kind of internal fault that was only created when the vehicle was in use, as I said the Bongo could be left standing for weeks on end but would still start at the first attempt

There wasn't the algorithm devices when I was in the job ( I said it was a long time ago ) but we did use load testers, sometimes called drop testers.

[Bongolia]

Yes probably the type with two spikes I would guess back in the day, AFAIK they fell from grace as they could cause explosions. Far more up to date now with clamps a switch.and a needle pointer
Never had a lot of faith in the new fangled meter thingies.

[Bongo Beagle]

Did this get solved? We have had someone on the phone with an identical problem with their diesel Bongo, engine difficult to start when warm after a 2 hour drive. Interestingly he said that it eventually started again after 10 minutes when he played around with the auto-shift.

Sorry for the delay in replying Ian - I haven't check this thread for a while. The problem is still there - did that caller mention if they had just put diesel in? Our problem always seems to happen after I've filled up, so I'm now suspecting the fuel gauge/system (it has the alternative earth to the sender unit rigged up). I'll bear in mind the auto-shift theory though - I haven't tried that.

[rita]

BB , if this is the case "Our problem always seems to happen after I've filled up, " it would be worthwhile running the vehicle with the fuel cap very slack ,or removed.
You could also check that the function of the clack valves in the cap are working and not stuck.
If the tank does not vent a vacuum will be created and defeat the vacuum of the Injector Pump.

Good Luck.

[Bongo Beagle]

Thanks Rita - I hadn't thought of this as being a potential fuel system problem as it sounds more power related when trying to start, but I'll consider anything fair game just now.

I've also picked up a new battery, just in case it is something as simple as that and I'll see how it goes...

[Gasy]

As has been said I'd rebuild your starter motor
I get lots of oil boiler solenoids breaking down when hot at work
Works fine for first 10/30 mins then if I check the ohms on the solenoid it's changed as it warms up
New solenoid £20 no call backs
Solenoids can be a bugger to identify a fault on

[Bongolia]

Thanks Rita - I hadn't thought of this as being a potential fuel system problem as it sounds more power related when trying to start, but I'll consider anything fair game just now.

I've also picked up a new battery, just in case it is something as simple as that and I'll see how it goes...

Fully charge the battery before fitting it is best.

[Bongo Beagle]

It seems like it was the old battery after all, as the new one has been on for almost a month and the van still starts perfectly every time and it isn't losing any charge. I'm never complacent about something like this as I know there could still be something not 100% in the system, but hopefully that's it sorted.

Thanks to all who offered advice.