Bongo Fury

Hi Everyone,
had my 1996 2.5 V6 petrol bongo MoT'd last week. Drove it over and dropped it off, running as sweet as ever. When I went to collect it, there was a loud knocking noise coming from the engine, which had apparently started when it was on the ramp. Oil was above minimum but on the low side, so I topped it up but this had no effect. I got the MoT station to then change oil and filter, still the same. Left it ticking over and temp gauge didn't move from it's normal position. I decided to limp it the 4 miles home. It's running ok, no misfire and seemed to pull ok with a very gentle increase in revs, but just sounds like a pneumatic drill banging from the inside of the engine.
Not being an expert, I'm guessing either hydraulic tappets at best, recon engine at worst. I'm in the Richmond area of SW London so would really appreciate it if anyone could point me in the direction of a bongo specialist close by. I've done some checking and found Lakeside at Staines, but was hoping for someone nearer.
Failing that, I've seen on another post a Simon Rowbotham of Contract Mechanics somewhere in the Midlands who apparently will collect and repair. Is that right, and if it is, does anyone have contact details for him?
Thanks in advance for any helpful/reassuring replies! First time I've needed to post on the forum in 3 years, so I hope this is in the right place.
Cheers
Andy

PS; It passed the MoT with flying colours!!!

I also live in LBoRichmond. I went to Lakeside in Wraysbury today. Seemed very familiar with Bongos. It's about 15 miles. I guess your concern is getting it there? AA or RAC recovery if you breakdown?

Hi Billy,
many thanks for taking the time to reply.
I actually bit the bullet and phoned Lakeside this morning, and am booked in for some diagnosis on Friday. I was hoping to be able to drive it there but starting up the bongo yesterday, the knocking was still there but it misfired and clattered a bit so I turned the ignition off straight away. I've not got Homestart with the AA, so will have to tow/push it a quarter of a mile from home or else pay the upgrade plus a £50 surcharge! With a likely heavy bill coming, it'll be pushed up the road I think!
It's good to get a first-hand opinion of a garage though, so you've certainly given me confidence in putting it into Lakeside.
Once I'm up and running, keep your eyes open for a light green bongo spinning round LB of Richmond.
Thanks again for your time and comments.

Andy

Andy,

I was at Lakeside today and I reckon I saw your Bongo in the yard.

Hope the repairs are successful.

Regards

Yep, thanks. That was mine alright!
Cylinder head rebuild required, and I'm waiting for them to source all the parts before starting. I guess it'll be a good few weeks yet. Unfortunately this weekend will have to be camping gear in the boot of a Fiesta instead of the home comforts of my Bongo

Hope everything is ok with your's?

Cheers

Andy

Really rotten luck, let's hope the bill isn't too bad.

Yes seems okay now. Glow plug light kept flashing. A problem with the waste gate valve on the diesel engine's turbo was diagnosed. Had to wait a couple of weeks for the parts. Hope to start my tour of Europe soon. Should have taken off by now, but didn't fancy the idea of this with a flashing engine warning light.

Thanks Bob, I think it depends on your definition of "not too bad"!!!
It sounded fairly terminal at the time, so it's not like the quote was a surprise or anything. I just wish I could prove the MoT station caused the damage by revving the whatsits of it. I'd brought it all the way down from Lincolnshire, purring away nicely only a couple of days before and ran it around town between then and the MoT. It was running really well


Glad you got yours sorted out BillyCasper, enjoy your Grand Tour whenever you're off. Fingers crossed I'm back on the road by the time you return!

Cheers,
Andy