Leon 1.9tdi lost power!

[den]

When accelerating in 2nd or 3rd, revs about 3-3500, the engine "pulls back" or appears to, lose the turbo.
Why?

All comments greatfully welcomed.
Thanks in advance.
Den.

[ini]

It sounds like the normal TDI 'limp mode', which is generally caused by boost pressure being higher or lower than requested for a few seconds.

What exact engine/model do you have?

Does the problem occur in the higher gears, at motorway speeds?

Is the power restored by cycling the ignition?

The underboost/overboost can be caused by a wide range of underlying problems, but can generally be attributed to one of the following:

Sticking turbo VNT (internal vanes for variable geometry on 110-160bhp)

Worn MAF (air mass meter)

Worn/fouled N75 (turbo electro-pneumatic boost control valve)

Worn MAP (manifold pressure/thrust sensor)

Turbo control tubing vac/pressure leak

Boost leak.

[Crasher]

You should have a fault code read done before doing anything and this may show code 17965 which is what INI is refering to.

[den]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately the turbo has just blown! I've had the car taken away to a garage and have had a quote of just over £700 for an other turbo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bearings have collapsed.
So have I.
Thanks again.
Den.

[Crasher]

Which engine code is it, ARL? If the £700 is fitted, that is a little on the cheap side.

[den]

Hi,
Don't know! 1.9tdi 53 reg, 56000 miles, but the recon turbo is £725. Fitting etc........ will be extra.
Thanks for the reply.
Den.

[Crasher]

It is very unusual for any of the VAG range turbo’s to literally go pop, was there a loud bang and then black smoke from the exhaust? If so, that is common when the intercooler boost hose blows off, I know several people who have had new turbo’s only to find a hose had failed.

I hope that turbo is a genuine VAG unit at that price.

[den]

No bang! Just clouds of white/grey/blue smoke then a rattle from the turbo. Engine still fired on all cylinders. Oil spray from exhaust. Mechanic stated bearings had collapsed and so did I when told the cost of recon turbo!
Thanks for replying.
Den.

[Crasher]

Sounds like it is a 150 BHP ARL engine, that is how the turbo’s fail on those.

[den]

Hi,
Checked vehicle details and it's 110bhp 1898cc. 56k 53 plate.
Car passed it's MOT the day previous to turbo blowing.
New oil plus oil, air and pollen filters. Fuel filter had been replaced previously.
Is it possible that my sedate driving I.E not over revving engine, or many stop, starts, had affected the turbo.

I know about letting the engine tick over for a minute before switching off, but forget to do it now and then!

(Hard to red line a diesel, I should imagine, as there is a governor in place, I think!)

Thanks.
Den.

[Crasher]

Not a common failure.