Bongo Fury

Hi Folks, my bongo is making a low frequency noise upon acceleration which transiently outlasts deceleration (or a drop in rpm) - sounds a little like a aeroplane taking off but carries transiently on after acceleration like a friction-powered toy car. I'm not sure how to pinpoint it for a mechanic as it's much more audible on a stretch of motorway and usually after a preliminary warm up period - suggesting a belt as the possible culprit. I'm pretty sure that the alternator belt is loose based on the typical high pitch squealing the van was making 3 weeks ago but not sure about the WW2 dogfight going on in the engine.

I've actually purchased all of the belts including a cam belt kit but still debating whether tackling a cam belt change. Does anyone have any experience with DIY belt changes? Is it just a 3 hour job as the fact sheet suggests?

Sounds like it could be the famous ...No 1 manifold stud sheered off. Very common and a easy fix to a decent mechanic. You cab just see the relevant stud to the right of and a little above the alternatoe under the passenger.
It will need the bit left in extracting and perhaps helicoiling....It can be done with NO dismantleing in a couple of hours.

I wouldn't expect belts to make the noise you describe since they would follow the engine speed as opposed to having an after-response.

However, something which does do this is the turbo - I wonder if your bearings are showing wear?

Or, as Haydn says!

Cheers chaps! I'm off to inspect exhaust mainfold and turbocharger for loose studs or white residue. Will keep you posted. Still woulf love to here from anyone who has done a DIY belt change.

Since you are Edinburgh based dandywarhol may help you out if you ask him nicely. He has helped me out on a number of occassions so far and he is aknkowledged to be one of Bongo Fury's top techies. If you are really stuck you could PM him fto ask for advice.

Tony

Thanks for the reply Tony. Actually I've moved to London (Chiswick). I need to update my profile. I also need to source a bongo friendly garage nearby. Can't say that I've pinpointed the problem on the engine but will provide images as soon as I do for any future occurrence.

I used to work in London myself for sixteen years until I retired seven years ago. Looking at the database it looks as though Lakeside in Staines is the nearest bongo Friendly Garage to you.

Tony