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Do you think it's time we changed the oil ?
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:05 am
by Biddy
David and I have never been mechanically minded but I am ashamed to say we have had our Bongo since 04.........
We have changed tyres........
New starter motor................
New back and center exhaust.......
Oil filter (as he noticed a leak) {should that have been a clue?}
But I thought only today... we have never changed the oil.......
So...... I guess I ought to get a set of filters and new oil
ASAP

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:08 am
by platty345
Bloody hell, How many miles have you done?
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:13 am
by bigdaddycain
You've had your bongo sice 2004? And not changed the oil yet?
The manufacturer's oil change figures are every 3000 miles, i use a quality 10/40 semi synthetic oil every 5000 miles, or twice a year,thats at least 8 oil changes since i got my bongo back in 2004.... Actually, a few more oil changes,as i changed it & filter every 1000 miles 3 times after switching to veg oil/diesel mix....
I'd suggest it may be due an oil change by now biddy
Are you sure the oil wasn't dropped to replace the filter?
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:19 am
by Harry
I had mine first changed when we bought ours in Sept06 with 85,000km on the clock.
We now have 216,000km on the clock and the oil has been changed twice.
On each occasion my garage said that it didn't really need changing as it was in perfectly good condition.
I've only topped up with a litre of castrol GTX about three times in 2.5 years (130,000km) .
Filter changed once.
If it ain't broke don't mend it....
H

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:21 am
by brorabongo
Will it be oil in the sump, or tar?
I change mine when it looks like the oil is starting to get thicker.... I know it's not ideal, and Mr Lambert would not like me saying that?

, but I aint changing oil every 3000 miles meaning a possible six changes a year. So I try for three changes, and good quality oil. (Magnatec.. sorry again Mr L.

)
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:22 am
by Biddy
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:24 am
by mister munkey
To be honest, if I were you, I'd delete this thread straight away.
Some poor unsuspecting soul may well buy your Bongo one day & would not be too impressed reading this.
Some people should be reported to the RSPCBo's or something like that.
Do it in the morning or get me round to do it for you.
Lets cut out this blatant Bongo cruelty NOW!!

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:29 am
by bigdaddycain
Flippin eck biddy! 5 years and 73k on the same oil? I just hope its in k's and not miles, as that doesn't semm (quite) so bad....
Have you ever had to top the oil level up at all?
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:36 am
by Biddy
Only topped up a couple pints that's all.
I have just said to Dave I think the top up oil is supposed to be a similar colour to that on the dip stick and as the stuff in the bottle is not black maybe he should have thought about this earlier
Wonder what my what my Dad will say

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:38 am
by bigdaddycain
The engine oil turns black almost immediately in a diesel engine anyway,its just the nature of the engine,different situation in a petrol of course....
I'll bet you feel some difference when you get the oil changed biddy....

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:42 am
by brorabongo
I did notice that the fresh oil darkens quickly, and heard that is normal.
When I had my Manual gear oil changed, at the time of the MOT (apart form tyres there was nothing else was needing done anyway

) the mechanic did say the old gearbox oil was like Silver paint.

That is seemingly not abnormal either.

Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:43 am
by Biddy
Just done one of them there conversion thingies....
Bought at 35000 km = 21747.991 miles
Now reads 108593 km = 67476.561 miles
So have done 73595 km = 45729.812 (1430.691yards) miles
Must be nearly time for the Cam Belt !
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:47 am
by mikeonb4c
You naughty naughty naughty people
Its a tribute to Bongo longevity though.
Treat yourselves with all that oil money you've saved and get a Pela pump to do oil changes. Makes it much much easier and therefore much much more likely you won't be naughty again. Make sure you change the filter though.
This thread should be deleted in case The Bongomeister gets a Freedom of Information request.
73k miles - the mind boggles. What WERE you thinking.
Don't mind me - just being mischievous
PS - have you checked the brake linings, changed coolant, cambelt etc. in all that time. You should do if you haven't or one day the Bongo may bite you!
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 12:59 am
by bigdaddycain
Either that, or we've all been suckers for changing the oil so often...its a conspiracy i tell you!
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:02 am
by brorabongo
bigdaddycain wrote:I'll bet you feel some difference when you get the oil changed biddy....

Aye, and the engine noise might drop a few decibels as well.