Bongo Fury

Hi there
I've read a number of threads about whether petrol Bongos will accept the new E10 fuel that's being introduced soon, and mostly the advice is that Bongos built from 2002 onwards should be ok with it. But, our Birdie Bongo V6 is a 2002 model, so I dont know where I stand. Presumably there is a cut-off at some point in the year, but how do I know if my Bongo was built before or after? Is there a definitive answer that says 'Bongos built with this chassis number onwards are ok with the new E10 fuel'?
Thanks in advance

Government checker shows Mazdas 'introduced in and from 2002', so my guess is even though yours was built in 2002 the model was 'introduced' before that, therefore not compatible.

https://check-vehicle-compatibility-e10 ... urer/Mazda

But that's just my reading of it.

E10 is out now in the northwest. Look on the nozzle holder for the info. The unleaded e5 is the standard unleaded, now badged as super unleaded, I would use this if in doubt though they are now charging super unleaded prices for the standard (what a surprise).
What was the super unleaded is very hard to find now if at all.
Glad thats cleared that up

Another reason to convert to LPG if it's available in your area and you've not yet done so. Only a small amount of petrol is used when the engine is cold, so any extra expense of super unleaded will be small.
I feel the E10 thing is being overstated, we've been on E5 for how long? and I don't recall anyone reporting a problem. It's just another thing to keep an eye on when maintenance time comes around. It certainly doesn't mean that pre-02 bongo's aren't viable anymore. Mix "Super" with E10 and some of the bad effects will be partially mitigated too.

As I understand it the problem is that whilst the engine will run fine on E10 there may be a faster degradation of certain materials that it comes into contact with - how quickly isn't mentioned. I'm reading it that bongo's will have relatively few affected parts. maybe in the fuel line itself, and possibly the filter, both can be replaced. There are protective additives too, apparently.
This article gives some info https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/ever ... assic-car/
and this is more detailed https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/fuels.

..... oh the joys of old (I mean Classic) vehicles

The exact wording of the statement issued by the Japanese Association of Automotive Manufacturers on behalf of Mazda states:

"E10 petrol is cleared for use in all models with petrol engines introduced in and from 2002"

The part number for the engine on V6 Bongos did not change between their introduction in May 95 to their demise in August 02. Use E5 fuel where available.

The part number for the 2 litre Bongo changed on 17 July 2002, so if you have a vehicle with chassis number SGEW-503208 onwards, or SGE3-400091 onwards you can use E10 fuel without any problems.

My VIN is SGEW-503155 so looks like I am one of the unlucky ones.

@Ian any idea what changed in the 2 ltr engine around that time to enable the later vehicles to run on E10? I’m one of the lucky ones with a “ ltr with a late Vin number.

TheLongRoad wrote: Thu Aug 12, 2021 1:30 pm @Ian any idea what changed in the 2 ltr engine around that time to enable the later vehicles to run on E10? I’m one of the lucky ones with a “ ltr with a late Vin number.

Sorry, no idea! But there is a usefui Wikipedia page about Mazda engines, perhaps worth a look?

I took a look at the wiki pages, an interesting read but didn’t mention any upgrades / changes to the 2.0 ltr. However, it did mention Mazda added a turbo to the FE engine and called it the FET. 132 bhp which might have been an interesting Bongo option had it ever been offered. The reliability of the FE with a bit of extra umph would have been a winner.

It's possible there was no alteration to the engine, maybe just upgraded something in the fuel system?

Several Bongo owners were asking me for clarity on whether their model was OK with E10.
So I shared the useful information Ian posted.

Re: E10 Fuel
by Ian » Sun Aug 08, 2021 7:24 am

The exact wording of the statement issued by the Japanese Association of Automotive Manufacturers on behalf of Mazda states:

"E10 petrol is cleared for use in all models with petrol engines introduced in and from 2002"

The part number for the engine on V6 Bongos did not change between their introduction in May 95 to their demise in August 02. Use E5 fuel where available.

The part number for the 2 litre Bongo changed on 17 July 2002, so if you have a vehicle with chassis number SGEW-503208 onwards, or SGE3-400091 onwards you can use E10 fuel without any problems.

The feedback I'm getting is that some owners do think E10 will cause problems, less MPG or loss of performance.
Others have used it and not noticed any problems.

I'm trying to gather enough feedback, to help owners make an informed decision. It'll help to clear uncertainty for many.

I've put a poll on Facebook but it's in a group so can't be seen publicly.
I was hoping we'd be able to put one here, but I can't see an option to put a poll on the forum?

You can do a Poll but it needs to be the initial post, not a reply Allan. If you start a New post in the forum and look just below the text input area, along with the file upload options is a Tab which includes creating a Poll.
However will opinions help a lot ? Surely we need to understand what non-metallic materials are used in the fuel pump, pipes and injectors in terms of the seals etc. then find out if they are Ethanol tolerant or if they can be replaced by known Ethanol tolerant versions ?

Thanks Geoff.

Yes it would be great to have that information.
Those components all wear out eventually.
I expect those now being produced are ethanol tolerant?
It would be handy if Mazda clarified their statement to explain why E10 shouldn't be used.

In the meantime the experience of those using E10, against Mazda guidance, can be helpful.
Maybe Ian could add a poll?

I'll set a poll up.

For a technical discussion about the effects of E10 then see this article:

https://www.hagerty.co.uk/articles/main ... assic-car/

Thanks Ian.
We'll be able to see what happens with short and longer term use.