Pre-Purchase check

[Mike n Kay]

Have my eye on a decent looking '98 Bongo but owner admits to not being mechanically minded so has it professionally serviced (have seen docs etc). Have a mechanic freind lined-up to check things over but we have time constraints so simple directions to access the engine (remove front seats & centre-console then engine cover) appreciated. Obvious things to look for apart from the dreaded wheel arch rust also welcome, it has been Waxoiled.

Mike n Kay

[Triple/R]

Have my eye on a decent looking '98 Bongo but owner admits to not being mechanically minded so has it professionally serviced (have seen docs etc). Have a mechanic freind lined-up to check things over but we have time constraints so simple directions to access the engine (remove front seats & centre-console then engine cover) appreciated. Obvious things to look for apart from the dreaded wheel arch rust also welcome, it has been Waxoiled.

Mike n Kay

Welcome Mike & Kay don't take seats out~take centre console off (2 plastic wing nut type things)~lift carpet near handbrake & lift quite large black fastener up & also 2 fastener's (in footwell) under where floormat meets seat base~slide seat forward,drop seat backrest forward then lift seat (backwards) that apply's to both seats.

You obviously need to test drive it for a good few miles & get it up to temperature & make sure theres no smoke out of exhaust~make sure gears change smoothly~make sure everything works (electrically) check under bonnet to see if coolant header tank is discoloured & you can see level (but a lot are discoloured anyway) if it is pretty clear then that's a bonus.

Ask seller if he's had any coolant problem's (new cylinder head for example)~check the waxoiling he's had done cus a lot of people waxoil over the rust before selling.

The list goes on but if your taking a mechanic with you he should look for most of these things anyway.

Let us know how you get on

[Germarchip]

And remember, if your not sure another one is right round the corner

[Doone]

There are a few pointers in the 'FAQ' ON THIS LINK

[rita]

Have my eye on a decent looking '98 Bongo but owner admits to not being mechanically minded so has it professionally serviced (have seen docs etc). Have a mechanic freind lined-up to check things over but we have time constraints so simple directions to access the engine (remove front seats & centre-console then engine cover) appreciated. Obvious things to look for apart from the dreaded wheel arch rust also welcome, it has been Waxoiled.

Mike n Kay

Hi,this might help....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyeHJUCXNVs


Cheers..

[Mike n Kay]

Many thanks for replies rec'd so far youtube link especially, am I correct in assuming the procedure is mirrored to access the drivers-side. Not such an ardous task as I thought.

Apart from CV's are there any obvious gear-box snags readily identifiable, always been lucky with used motors apart from my first (Austin 110) & the box on that could drown out Concorde after 4months

Now where's my C/Card to join you guys officially

Mike n Kay