Bongo Fury

Hi all,

I drove to a destination and during the last bit noticed that the van was down on power. When I went to start it up again it only barely started and would not rev up.
I have no idea what's causing this, it was raining fairly heavy so I thought water was after going somewhere where it shouldn't at first but I've no clue really.
I'm being told now that I can't tow it home cause it's an automatic.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Which engine do you have ?
Not wise to tow an automatic other than very short distances at low speed as the ATF oil is not being pumped around or cooled so very easy to cook your box! Most cases its best to use your breakdown service to flatbed it to your garage for sorting,

It's a 98 2.5TD 4wd.

Just looking into breakdown cover now

Geoff is correct, short distance, max 30 kph/18 mph is fine (from memory).

Whatever you do don't let your breakdown provider try and use a spec lift/suspended tow - the 4 wd set up will make it jump off and it will be damaged.

Flat bed is really the only way over a mile or so.

It sounds like fuel starvation , what year is the vehicle?, you could remove the prop shaft and tow it..

Fuel pump issue?

Right, since I can't find any easy way of nuking my account I'm going to have to come clean. It turns out that I put €20 petrol into the van instead of diesel. I still don't know what I was thinking about at the time but I'm sure it was probably very important stuff
I actually had to phone the filling station and ask them what I paid for as the whole refueling session is a blur.
You'd think I would have put it together faster, it didn't even click with me until the recovery truck was on the way
Anyhow, the van is up and running again. Hopefully I haven't done any permanent damage.

Full marks for honesty.

All I could do was make light of it, I'm actually mortified

Don't feel bad, easily done.

It's so easily done, but if you do it again, you've earned the right to be mortified.

I think we've probably all put the wrong fuel in a vehicle at least once in our lives... Don't beat yourself up too much