Bongo Fury

Following a recent cambelt change, along with new oil/oil filter/air filter/fuel filter, I'm now aware of uncomfortable vibration whilst in gear - ie. waiting at traffic lights. I can feel the vibration up my back and through the steering wheel. In neutral, it reduces, but is still present.

I have tried increasing the idle speed slightly (I guess its now around 800 rpm in neutral) which has helped matters a bit.

Could changing the cambelt (and the subsequent alignment of the new belt) lead to such vibration ?

It's a 1995 diesel Bongo with 97Km on the clock. The car starts fine and there is no apparent vibration problem when moving. Since the cambelt change, I believe the engine noise to be higher .. but it's hard to compare !

Need to compare vibrations with someone else

I remember when I had a new cambelt put on my Spacewagon, I could really feel the vibration from - I guess- the notched belt thrumming on the notched pulley. It diminished a bit as the belt bedded in but was never as quiet as the old belt. I wonder if you've got a bit of the same (could it be brand of belt). Never caused any trouble though. Maybe a Bongo techie can comment on this?

Perhaps the tickover speed was disturbed doing the belt change....try increasing it a bit.

haydn callow wrote:Perhaps the tickover speed was disturbed doing the belt change....try increasing it a bit.

Think he's tried that hasn't he?

I have tried increasing the idle speed slightly (I guess its now around 800 rpm in neutral) which has helped matters a bit.

havent got an engine mounting worn have we?

rabbitsquasher wrote:havent got an engine mounting worn have we?

hmmm ... how would I check and is it easy to replace ?

could the timing be slightly out? i would ask the garage that changed the timing belt if they could just check the timing again.

not stating the obvious but are the seat clamps fastened correctly if these were loose the seat would move and you state your feeling vibes in your back or it could be the timings out if you have had to raise the idle speed you woulnt accedently knock that when doing a cambelt

If the idle speed changed AFTER changing the belt i'd say the timing is a tooth out.

dandywarhol wrote:If the idle speed changed AFTER changing the belt i'd say the timing is a tooth out.

definitely agree here, misread original, thought vibes had been before belt fitted, having said that, not knowing because I have never done this job, but are any of the mountings touched during the job?

no you go no where nr the mounts when changing the cambelt.

Thanks for the ideas ... I've spoken to the garage who changed the cambelt and they couldn't really give any reason. Didn't think it was a problem with the timing but agreed to take a look. I'm half expecting a 'they all do that sir' response ... so it's good to have a list of other points they can check while they have the car. Watch this space ...

PS : the only other 'change' was new 15/40W oil ? Could that have an effect ? I don't know what oil was in the car before the oil change.

It should be 5w/30 or 10w/30.

scanner wrote:It should be 5w/30 or 10w/30.

Thanks ... fair point .. though the FAQ section does mention that 'In standard UK operating temperatures you should use 10W-30 oil. In colder climes you should use 5W-30. If you find these difficult to obtain, then 10W/40 or even 15W/40 will do.'

Could it contribute to such effects as more vibration at idle and higher (more rattly) engine noise ?

Sound to me that it is a tooth out, probably retarded the timing slightly. diesels will vibrate if retarded on the fuel timing. get it back asap so they wont argue its another problem. As it is a matter of doing the job just about allover again.