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Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 12:22 pm
by cavey
Hi fellow Bongo people.

We have a gearbox problem. I first experienced the problem a few months ago when reversing at full lock, fully laden, but it has been fine up until a couple of days ago. Now, when cold, there is no drive at all, in any of the gear lever positions - the engine just spins up. When warm, I can just about get enough drive to move, but the engine has to rev quite high for this to happen. A couple of days ago, the problem was there, but not as bad and it just seemed that the 'box wouldn't lock into top gear.

Does the transmission fluid need replacing? Being second hand, I don't know when it was last done.

Any thoughts or similar experiences?

Thanks, Dave.

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 12:30 pm
by umbongocat
We had a similar problem on a European trip. Ours is back in the UK now and was a clutch in the gearbox. We couldn't get it into reverse, it was like it was in park. Thankfully, it's being fixed now and should have her back shortly. I'm sure other peeps will be on here soon to help.

Good luck

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:47 pm
by g8dhe
Have you checked the level of the ATF ? Its a dip stick under the drivers seat, but needs to be done when warm and in gear so take relevant precautions!

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:48 pm
by cavey
g8dhe wrote:Have you checked the level of the ATF ? Its a dip stick under the drivers seat, but needs to be done when warm and in gear so take relevant precautions!
Nope - the first job when I get home from work..... Thanks!

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:50 pm
by Simon Jones
At least check the level & condition of the ATF. There is a factsheet here: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... ts/atf.pdf

May be worth changing the fluid anyway as it cannot make the problem any worse.

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:59 pm
by cavey
Is this stuff suitable? http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_255219

Thanks again. Dave

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 2:10 pm
by 321Away
yep that'll do,says meets D(dexron)3 spec

Julian

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 4:43 pm
by wonkanoby
Drop the sump and filter and clean the crap out

you will be amazed how much there is

a pela pump makes it easier

as oil should be above gasket level

but you can do it without

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 11:14 pm
by cavey
It's a rusty pipe that's leaking. I topped up the ATF fluid and it drove OK, but looking underneath and I saw this.....

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gnnbr4ihnsko3nh/IMG_0959.jpg

The leak stopped when the engine stopped.

It looks like 199A0 on this drawing but am happy to be corrected!

http://lushprojects.com/bongopartsmk2/c ... o=.html#28

Where's the best place to buy a replacement from and are they simple enough to change? I can't see them in the Bongo Fury shop.

Cheers,

Dave

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 1:05 am
by Simon Jones
You can order most items from your local Mazda dealer, although it may take a few days up to a couple of weeks for it to arrive. I'm not aware of anyone who would have a new one in stock.

You could try repairing it, or source a used part. Depends where in Hants you are, but I would recommend Kevin at Southern Bongos between North Baddesley and Chandlers Ford. His number is 02380 733995 / 07860 612360 and he has a few vans in for breaking at the moment.

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 1:34 am
by lazyb5
Well at least your know what the problem is. Have you checked the joint or the clip. To get you going in an emergency you can connect the cooler hoses together bypass the leak.and cooler :( and drive a few miles but don't overdo it and try to get into lock up wherever possible.

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 8:04 pm
by cavey
Thanks all. Have spoken to Kevin today (he is at most 10 mins away!) so will pop in tomorrow and see if he has the pipe in stock.

Re: Bongo won't engage gear

Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 10:35 pm
by Northern Bongolow
just replaced these pipes on a bongo recently. the owner bought the pipes from mazda, they were not that expensive.
read this one.
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 78#p571797

Re: Bongo won't engage gear - sorted.......for now......

Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2012 9:18 pm
by cavey
OK, so it was a pin prick leak which I couldn't even make out, even after a degrease and rub down with abrasive. The pipe actually looked quite solid underneath - not the rusty mess I was expecting.

To get me back on the road, I've used Chemical Metal, and this seems to have done the trick. I feel that I should still replace the pipe as soon as is practical though, as know it's gone once, it may go somewhere else.

After this, it took 2l of ATF to top it up :shock: :!:

I'll be popping in to Southern Bongos on Monday to see what Kevin has in stock.

Cheers all for you help and suggestions! :D

Dave.