Bongo Fury

Hi thought I would be clever and try and fix my beloved bongo myself. Needed to replace the starter solenoid, bought the bits (easy) disconnected all the wiring from the starter (relatively easy) cannot remove the starter. After two scraped knuckles, cut finger and a few curses decided I am no mechanic. Now have a bongo that won't go anywhere to get fixed, and it needs someone more technically minded than the numpty that owns it to fix it.
I live in Newmachar near Aberdeen and wonder if anyone is or knows of a mechanic or someone who can assist. I will pay.

Cheers Neil McPherson

3 bolts hold the starter on and jiggle to free it it is tight getting it out and back in the gap but not too difficult.

have another go after a coffee and wear gloves

westonwarrior wrote:3 bolts hold the starter on and jiggle to free it it is tight getting it out and back in the gap but not too difficult.

Unless, like mine, King Kong tightened the bolts Never did get mine off, but it's been OK since I fitted a new battery

Can't help at all (very non-techie) but if you edit this topic heading put "Aberdeenshire" in (ie "Starter Chaos - Aberdeenshire") it may attract the attention of a knight in shining armour (well, a bloke in a Bongo) who may live somewhere near you and be able to offer practical assistance. Just a thought - may not work.

Hmmm, I had a look at the Bongo Friendly Garages database, its a bit thin up there unless the Borders or Edinburgh are local . . .

Hello Neil, I've replied to your pm.

cannot remove the starter

I don't know why it won't come out and my husband isn't here so I can't pick his brains. But there are 3 bolts holding the starter in, so make sure you've undone all of them.

Must Be a suitable garage or BF member with the know how as there are quite a few Bongos near Aberdeen, Croz for one. At the Scottish Bash last year I went for a walk with him and during it he told me that he had fitted his Wacoe cruise control himself then got a local auto electrician to certify it for him for insurance purposes.

Tony

I'd have thought any good local mechanic prepared to come to your house could be entrusted with this. You could then do the motor rebuild and the reassembly yourself maybe?

Neil,

I'm in Elgin and would be happy to help - only problem is when. I have done this job on a Hilux, but not a Bongo (very similar starter, and the same contact wear weakness).

I'll have a crawl about under mine to see what's involved and suss out what tools I need etc. Also have to consult she who must be obeyed to see when I can make it through.

Do you have alternative transport whilst the Bongo's not running? Presumably, there's no hope of getting it started now - they usually get a bit intermittant first before they give up completely.

Cheers
Dave

Fact sheet in the members area - dead easy, can be done from above by lifting the seat, I don't remember it being particularly awkward to get at.

Checked that, and the video - looks straightforward enough. Certainly a damn sight easier than getting it out of the Hilux!!

Hello Neil,

If I wasn't expecting to be working late nearly every night this week I would come over.

If you are still stuck at the weekend I should be able to make it over to you.

I'll keep me eye on this thread to see how you get on.

Good luck

reagards Grahame

Hi Neil,

Not sure if you got my phone message yesterday, but there's another willing pair of hands here! (Its gonna be very cosy under the driver's seat!).

Mike.

Hi to everyone who replied. Top tip was to bend the bracket holding the gearbox oil dip stick out of the way, my sons mechanic mate did this and Yahoo loose nuts and skin kept on knuckles. Then took it to Turriff Auto Electrical, brilliant service repaired and bench tested for under £40. Replaced in Bongo and off she went.

Neil McP

neilmcp wrote:Hi to everyone who replied. Top tip was to bend the bracket holding the gearbox oil dip stick out of the way, my sons mechanic mate did this and Yahoo loose nuts and skin kept on knuckles. Then took it to Turriff Auto Electrical, brilliant service repaired and bench tested for under £40. Replaced in Bongo and off she went.

Neil McP

Great to hear its fixed . But having got it off, did you not want to repair it yourself using the bits you'd bought?