Bongo Fury

Hi all,

Managed to get home whilst I was still daylight today, so popped up the seat, opened the bonnet, and took a few pics of the Bongo engine. I wondered if those of you more mechanically minded than myself (micro-electronics & software I can do - engines are a little beyond me), and more familiar with the Bongo engine could have a little gander at them and pass any useful comments?

You'll notice my photos centre on a couple of oily spots, are these anything I ought to be worrying about?

http://picasaweb.google.com/gicarey/Bongo

Thanks a million!

Gav.

Well, there's the leak as far as i'm concerned gav...Look at the corrosion on the pipe where the bleed tube connects...It looks as if there has been a slight weep,where the coolant evaporates on the hot pipe, i know mine doesn't look like that

I'd say oil on passenger side is due to topping up oil.

Oil on drivers side looks like residue from EGR....

Other than that, it looks quite clean and tidy for a 10 or so year old engine. Just check that metal pipe at the bottom on passenger side I think... looks a bit suspect (as BDC just said )

I'd check the coolant pipe that runs over the alternator, can see a couple of cable ties on it... hopefully it's a bit of rubber as sheathing. Also check the coolant pipe on driver side at front of engine, near the injector pump.... there is a pipe clip that can rub the hose


John

What a disaster! - not really
The one on the passenger side looks like a leaking rocker cover - very common.
The driver's side could be muck from the EGR valve (also very common) or another rocker cover leak. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, just check your oil regularly to make sure it doesn't get any worse.

Sorry Gav, i thought the pics were for us to look for your potential coolant leak...i hadn't clicked on to the "oil stain" part of your post....

bigdaddycain wrote:Well, there's the leak as far as i'm concerned gav...Look at the corrosion on the pipe where the bleed tube connects...It looks as if there has been a slight weep,where the coolant evaporates on the hot pipe, i know mine doesn't look like that

Thanks BDC.

As pictured best in this one? http://picasaweb.google.com/gicarey/Bon ... 1699168610

Which is the bleed tube? the one coming out of the (admittedly corroded) metal pipe at the bottom? or the one coming out of the block beneath the oil filler cap, and running out and south?

Or am i totally off the mark here?

best thing to do - clean it up and see if it's a current leak or an historical one? Replace the metal pipe (are they generally available?)?

bigdaddycain wrote:Sorry Gav, i thought the pics were for us to look for your potential coolant leak...i hadn't clicked on to the "oil stain" part of your post....

No bother - I wasn't really seeking any specific problem, oil leak, water leak, etc - just a general "it looks alright", or "watch out for that", or "tidy that up if i were you".

Your indicating the rusy pipe is, in fact, just what I was after

Gav.

The bleed pipe is the one that goes over the top of the alternator and has a bung in the end.

Looks pretty standard & in good nick. Only things to keep an eye on: rust on the metal coolant pipe next to the chassis on the passenger side & there seems to have been some rusty water below the expansion tank (often a sign that water has escaped from the over flow pipe).

Bring it up to the Little Paxton meet (even if you only make it during the day) and we'll take a look "in the flesh".

If your EGR is playing up either franco or me will be able to show you what to do to blank it off.
It isn't difficult, just about all you need is 10mmspanner V.1.0.1. and Pieceofflatsteelplate V.2.0.5.

I think the yellow paint on the prop shaft is an indication that it has had work done on a recall.

John the sparky wrote:I'd say oil on passenger side is due to topping up oil.

Oil on drivers side looks like residue from EGR....

Anything I should worry about? or do about it? EGR is the thingy which if you blank it off, might improve performance? emissions? etc?

John the sparky wrote:Other than that, it looks quite clean and tidy for a 10 or so year old engine. Just check that metal pipe at the bottom on passenger side I think... looks a bit suspect (as BDC just said )

I'd check the coolant pipe that runs over the alternator, can see a couple of cable ties on it... hopefully it's a bit of rubber as sheathing. Also check the coolant pipe on driver side at front of engine, near the injector pump.... there is a pipe clip that can rub the hose


John

Thanks, will spend some quality time with my coolant pipes on Friday I think!

francophile1947 wrote:What a disaster! - not really ......I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, just check your oil regularly to make sure it doesn't get any worse.

You horrid man

Thanks, will keep my eye on the level of the black stuff

scanner wrote:Bring it up to the Little Paxton meet (even if you only make it during the day) and we'll take a look "in the flesh".

Mentioned it to my misses - she's not against the idea, though is concerned that it'll be "the same as a wing ding" (my mum & step-dad have a honda-gold wing trike [video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3gwJTauAow] - nice machine, if you like that kind of bling!) and they go off to a lot of meets to discuss all things chromey & lighty!

I'll do my best to get up for at least a day, maybe bring a few beers to exchange for your time looking at the green-beast & kip overnight in the roof

scanner wrote:If your EGR is playing up either franco or me will be able to show you what to do to blank it off.
It isn't difficult, just about all you need is 10mmspanner V.1.0.1. and Pieceofflatsteelplate V.2.0.5.

I certainly have the first bit of software, and suspect I can source the latter

Thanks!

Gav.

GICarey wrote:
best thing to do - clean it up and see if it's a current leak or an historical one?

Thats where i'd start...perhaps cut a bit of bandage and tiewrap it onto the pipe,which should highlight if indeed you are losing coolant there...