Turbo issues.

I've now blown a second turbo on my 300tdi.

First one is obviously bearing related as the centre drive with the fins on is like the old man in a bowler hat when wiggled inside and the edges of the fins have worn down.

But this second one is still quite firm, I had a sudden power loss today whilst out laning.

Great cloud of black smoke which obscures the rear window when accelerating and no power at all.

Turbo also seems to be whistling all the time.

Can anyone tell me what might have happened to it or should I be looking somewhere else, boost pipe maybe?

I'd be looking at the turbo oil feed pipe and the air inlet pipe to the turbo.

I've taken the air pipe off and driven it and it's still flat and chucking out black smoke.

Does the boost pipe from the fuel injection pump blow air or create vacuum?

It does feel as if the turbo is just not working.

Funkykipper said:

I've taken the air pipe off and driven it and it's still flat and chucking out black smoke.

Does the boost pipe from the fuel injection pump blow air or create vacuum?

It does feel as if the turbo is just not working.

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Pressure from the turbo pushes the tapered pin lower in the pump increasing fueling

blue beasty said:

Pressure from the turbo pushes the tapered pin lower in the pump increasing fueling

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Ah so it's the other way around. Turbo pressure works the fuel injection pump.

Funkykipper said:

Ah so it's the other way around. Turbo pressure works the fuel injection pump.

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No expert and int sure if the connection is above or below the diafram (suck or blow ) BUT yes it's the turbo that adjusts the FIP.

Turbo's are not really something I have a lot of experience with, so I'd like to learn more about what makes them work to their optimum ability and what affects them working efficiently.

Even on tick over it's not sucking as hard as usual. So that is what makes me think it's not working at all.
But what I don't know is what would stop it working.

I had a similar issue minus the cloud of smoke on a 1991 Fiesta RS Turbo some years ago.

Long story short - the split pin which held the actuator rod in place had gone AWOL therefore causing the turbo to do nothing at all. Worth a look.

Mark L said:

I had a similar issue minus the cloud of smoke on a 1991 Fiesta RS Turbo some years ago.

Long story short - the split pin which held the actuator rod in place had gone AWOL therefore causing the turbo to do nothing at all. Worth a look.

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Just looking at a diagram of a T3 Garrett turbo and yes mate I'll look at that as well as the pressure hose.

you've checked for a hole in the intercooler?
or a big hole in one of the pipes?

fesuvious said:

you've checked for a hole in the intercooler?
or a big hole in one of the pipes?

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No Matty, I've just concentrated on the turbo.

I'm currently struggling with either swapping the turbo or actually diagnosing the problem before I make a decision.

Obvious which is the easiest.

But I will strip out the whole breathing side and see what I find.

I'd do a boost pressure test first...

juiceyv8 said:

I'd do a boost pressure test first...

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Does that not just tell me the blades at the end are spinning?

If its whistling and not screeching my money is on abig boost leak.

The facts are that big black smoke means not enough air getting in, but, if the turbo had oil supply problems then the shaft would be fubar'd and it would screech, not whistle.

To do a boost check the guage would need to be right up at the inlet manifold but I think we know the boost isn't happening.

As said earlier, if the rod had popped off the wastegate then this would cause this. As would a hole in the intercooler, split pipe or holed solid pipe.

Start with basics check Intercooler check all hoses for splits or collapsing under load..

Stick a boost guage on it to see if the turbo is actually kicking in.

Yes I have noticed the silicone hoses are not as rigid as before. It did sound like it was sucking and struggling to get air yesterday.
So maybe something gave way today.

any news?

fesuvious said:

any news?

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Not had chance to look at it yet buddy as work is getting in the way. I hope to have a fiddle with it later today.

If your previous one lost some fin shrapnel then it's possible that some of it has shredded your intercooler, and or pipes... Really quick and easy test... Spray bottle with water and washing up liquid. Douse your intercooler in it and give it some beans... See a mini bubble factory? Should point out any major or minor leaks. Also double check your waste gate is opening and closing, if it's stuck in the open position then you'll just be dumping to atmosphere.

MrPDude said:

If your previous one lost some fin shrapnel then it's possible that some of it has shredded your intercooler, and or pipes... Really quick and easy test... Spray bottle with water and washing up liquid. Douse your intercooler in it and give it some beans... See a mini bubble factory? Should point out any major or minor leaks. Also double check your waste gate is opening and closing, if it's stuck in the open position then you'll just be dumping to atmosphere.

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Some solid advice thanks mucka.