Bongo Fury

I have been having problems starting my Bongo V6 petrol van, especially in damp weather. I think that the battery is original (manufactured in 1999) and has not been changed. Any suggestions appreciated.

Ah, the joys of a petrol engine!
Try starting it after dark and look for any sparks around the ignition components - it may be the HT leads breaking down.

Hi Anan, Welcome to the forum!

When you say having trouble starting the v6, are we talking an almost flat battery scenario? Then just about churning over?

bigdaddycain wrote:Hi Anan, Welcome to the forum!

When you say having trouble starting the v6, are we talking an almost flat battery scenario? Then just about churning over?

Yes - just like that!

It could just be that the battery has come to an end of its useable life. A lot of people will suggest taking it off and trickle charging it overnight... Personally, if i had to remove the battery at all, and have been having trouble with it, i'd just replace it. You do need to make sure that the battery is knackered though,i'd suggest having a full test done on the charging system,just to make sure the alternator is providing enough juice etc...

Bare i mind that this time of year is a real battery killer,long nights,wipers and heaters going all the time,it does put an extra strain on the battery,all the more reason to get a test done on the charging system,a proper test will involve checking the charge rate,on tickover under load...

Process of elimination im affraid start at the plug end & see if you have spark ther if not go further back in the ignition system, Bdc is prob right tho, as to wet weather ive had probs after hitting standing water, gets up to the dizzy cap and soaks it generally dropping it a cylinder. Call the AA/RAC if you a member

8 yrs for a battery is extremely old. If it is that age it is owed a dignified retirement

francophile1947 wrote:Ah, the joys of a petrol engine!

No sorry you've lost me there - unless of course you're being sarcastic.

scanner wrote:

francophile1947 wrote:Ah, the joys of a petrol engine!

No sorry you've lost me there - unless of course you're being sarcastic.

Not at all - I just remember the joy of petrol engines and damp conditions. Many's the time I've had my HT leads and distributor cap look like the Blackpool illuminations, although it was in the pre electronic ignition days - they do seem more damp proof nowadays.

Hi,

If it's turning over slowly then you are most likely looking at a new battery. You can get them tested, ring around your local halfords/quick fit outlets as they often do a test for free.

If you have a multimeter you could check the voltage both standing and then when the engine is cranking over. Mine was 12.6 volts standing, 11.5 turning over and something like 14.4v when running at tickover speed.

As they said above, the battery is old and with this colder damp weather it has to work so much harder.

Check the connections too, make sure they are tight and making a good contact.

Many batteries have a display window with a dot that changes colour to show the state of the battery, this too could show you if it's due for replacement.

My V6 starts fine, however it turns over a little longer before catching than my previous cars, only when very cold.

Hope this helps.

Andy

Thanks to all who replied. It has been most helpful.
Best Wishes
Anantacitta

my battery gave up the ghost yesterday i only picked the motor up on monday i had expected to change it, but it was still alive off the boat ,i couldnt get it out for a decent run ....anyway my diesel was sitting there with two batteries ( winter pack) so i borrowed one for the v6 and it worked lovely i put the dud in the diesel hoping it will get charged up ...its handy having a bongo donor