Bongo Fury

Hi There
Just to ask, how strict do I have to be at doing an oil change at 5000KM and a oil filter change at 10 000KM? (As per service interval helpsheet on Bongofury.)

I'm approaching the former and considering the filter should be changed at the same time. I'm not great at topping her (me Bongo) up, so it might mean that when I check her tomorrow, she may need a fair bit of oil anyway (not really a change though i suppose).

The last service suggested the next service at half way between the two. (I've bottled out of doing it myself - time pressures and the sheer mess i'd make on the pavement).

I'd welcome any techies view points on this (hope not repeating anywhere).
Cx

I`m sorry, but it is a daft question
and I just fear that one of the many "elders" there are,
may come down hard on you with the wrath it probably deserves (look out )

The Bongo has to be the easiest vehicle to change oil/filter i have ever had.
Sump plug is accessed via the hole in sump guard ( big bit o plastic under van)
Just flip the passenger seat and viola there be the oil filter.
I have always done minor services on my cars ( have been an Alfa Romeo nut for years!) but am the first to admit I am not in the least bit mechanical/technical minded.
Dont forget
1. smear oil on seal of new filter.
2. 'The Bongo' has a huge cardio-vascular system, in other words- A BIG SUMP, about 6.5 litres if i remember rightly, so you will need more than jus one can of oil.
go on give it a go.
what could possibly go wrong?

second thoughts....
forget all that n take it to a garage!

Just to ask, how strict do I have to be at doing an oil change at 5000KM and a oil filter change at 10 000KM? (As per service interval helpsheet on Bongofury.)

I'm approaching the former and considering the filter should be changed at the same time. I'm not great at topping her (me Bongo) up, so it might mean that when I check her tomorrow, she may need a fair bit of oil anyway (not really a change though i suppose).

It may seem excessive but it's commonplace for a turbo diesel. If you look at the state of the oil after only a few minutes running you will see how black and thick it gets compared to a petrol engine's oil. Do you really want that stuff going through a delicate piece of machinery like a turbocharger for any longer than is necessary? Bear in mind an oil and filter change is a lot cheaper than a new turbo or engine.

You shouldn't be having to substantially top up with oil between oil changes. I haven't done yet in my nearly 2 years of ownership.

I use Halfords 5/30 semi synthetic. When I first changed from the tired old oil that had been in the Bongo for 2 years and 5k miles, you could hear how much quieter it sounded. Now, interestingly, even though my last oil change was after 4k miles (albeit easy ones on long runs mainly and after only 7 months in place), the difference in noise is not very noticeable. So I would say that missing the 5000km interval by a not too big margin is not life threatening. It will depend on how much start stop / cold running you are doing. It will also depend on the quality of oil you are using (yes, I know the argument about semi synth. being a waste of time on higher mileage engines, its more the developments in technology that count here I think). I think, if you were doing long runs at moderate RPM (not over 2500) then 5k miles wouldn't be a crime at all.

Mr Colin Lambert is the BF oil expert. What he says will count most.