Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

root-n-5th · Post by **root-n-5th** » Fri Aug 02, 2019 4:55 pm

Hello all,

A problem has recently arisen. My bongonhas always started fairly well, albeit with a bit of white smoke after waiting 10 seconds after glow plug lights are out.

Had the cam belt done recently but it was ok after that, went on a long run after filling up and now it takes a good few attempts to start. It initially fires then dies. Battery is good. Once the fuel gets in it splitters a bit and then is fine. I’ve loosened the fuel filler cap to no avail.

Could it be just the glow plugs, or is it a fuel feed problem? Could it be a relay or something like that? I’ve read a few posts but wonder if anyone can help me find a place to start.

Cheers!
Sam

Post by **g8dhe** » Fri Aug 02, 2019 5:54 pm

Check the voltage on the glowplug busbar, it should be a little less than battery voltage for the first few minutes, if not then first check the fusible link on the battery terminal arm after that consider the relay.

root-n-5th · Post by **root-n-5th** » Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:09 pm

Thanks! Sounds like a plan. Any guidance on how to check voltage on bus bar? Have voltmeter, don’t know where to stick it.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 9:55 am

One probe on busbar and the other to earth....ign on

root-n-5th · Post by **root-n-5th** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 10:50 am

Thanks.

Ok, steady 11.6v after ignition until the relay click when it drops instantly to nothing.

Sounds like the electrics are ok, but glow plugs are shot?

Cheers.

Post by **g8dhe** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 11:59 am

Well its a possibility that the plugs are past there best, especially if you have been leaving it longer anyway it would suggest that the plugs are not heating up quickly enough.

haydn callow · Post by **haydn callow** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:29 pm

11.6. Sounds a bit low, what is the voltage across the battery......0 is correct when relay clicks out.

teenmal · Post by **teenmal** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:49 pm

haydn callow wrote: Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:29 pm 11.6. Sounds a bit low, what is the voltage across the battery......0 is correct when relay clicks out.

11.6v at the rail is perfectly ok, the glow/heater plugs are 11 Volt rated, I really don't think that the heaters are needed in this weather, the engine should start without them everything else being equal.

root-n-5th · Post by **root-n-5th** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:53 pm

Might be related to my fuel leak from the fuel return pipe to the pump? Found it dripping today and it has no clip.

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 2:19 pm

root-n-5th wrote: Sat Aug 03, 2019 12:53 pm Might be related to my fuel leak from the fuel return pipe to the pump? Found it dripping today and it has no clip.

That sounds a possible candidate. Out of interest, is this starting problem happening just the same whether the engine is warmed up or cold. As teenmal has said, glowplugs shouldnt really be needed for good starting when engine is warm. Also, a healthy Bongo shouldnt really smoke on startup hot or cold. You could have more than one thing needing attention.

teenmal · Post by **teenmal** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 4:10 pm

It would also be worthwhile changing/cleaning fuel filters, even if they have been done recently.

root-n-5th · Post by **root-n-5th** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 4:53 pm

Ok, I’ve been to Halfords, bought some stuff that doesn’t fit and adapted to the circumstances. I have put clips on the return fuel line that was dripping and it doesn’t drip any more when I pump the primer - it was almost a continuous stream this morning. Started consistently 4 or 5 times.

I tend to agree that it isn’t the glow plugs, although I think they need doing, as it seems as soon as it gets fuel it perks up like a young whippersnapper, ready to launch on another adventure. Sounds good ticking over and isn’t lumpy or erratic. Nice.

Have cleaned all the diesel spill away so will check in the morning to see if it starts, and if it still smells. Fingers crossed.

Thanks for all the help!
Sam

root-n-5th · Post by **root-n-5th** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:51 pm

Alas, I still have a starting problem. Just tried again and took 5 or 6, 5 second bursts to get it to fire. It will hopefully smell less of raw diesel now but obviously there is still a problem. It’s really annoying as it was starting absolutely fine until recently.

Any idea where air could be getting in?

Cheers.

teenmal · Post by **teenmal** » Sat Aug 03, 2019 10:49 pm

root-n-5th wrote: Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:51 pm Alas, I still have a starting problem. Just tried again and took 5 or 6, 5 second bursts to get it to fire. It will hopefully smell less of raw diesel now but obviously there is still a problem. It’s really annoying as it was starting absolutely fine until recently.

Any idea where air could be getting in?

Cheers.

Have you changed /cleaned the fuel filters.???

root-n-5th · Post by **root-n-5th** » Sun Aug 04, 2019 9:21 am

I haven’t checked the fuel filter I’m afraid. I did it last year and it turned out to be a bit epic so will have to block out a week or two in my diary. It hasn’t done many miles since then though and it runs smoothly once going.

I’m going on a long run tomorrow so will see how it is after that.

Thanks.

Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td

Re: Starting takes 5 or 6 attempts 2.5td