Passat Estate 130TDI Sport Turbo Query

**venetian-red** · 12-01-2011,08:57 AM

Haven't posted for a while guys so belated happy New Year.

I have a 2001 Passat Estate Sport 130 TDI, with 125k now on the clock. I have had the car 15 months with no problems at all. I have noticed over the last few months, (maybe because its been cold?) that there is a slight 'whistle/whine' from the turbo first thing in the morning, when I am pulling off and going up the road. The car has had regular oil/filter changes and has a full service history. The oil has always been the correct specification and was changed only 3k ago.
If I am pushed, can't be 100% sure the noise hasn't always been there and that I have just noticed it, but I would definately say it has been more noticeable in this colder weather. Nothing dramatic, but all the same, would be grateful for your views? Thanks.

**996jimbo** · 13-01-2011,12:55 PM

My car is on 145k and has been whistling a bit like a police siren at lower revs / pulling away for the last 60k miles which is when I got it, so it isn't necessarily something to worry about.

**eduardo1180** · 13-01-2011,02:45 PM

i actually like when you hear the turbo its kind of an extra motivation to put your foot down and listen to it

**venetian-red** · 13-01-2011,11:28 PM

Cheers guys; I know it sounds like a stupid question because turbos do, I guess make noise, it was just that I hadn't heard it that prounounced before and wondered whether other forum members had. I am not too concerned as it isn't a loud or 'worrying' noise, just one i thought I would ask for further opinion on. You are right too eduardo1180, it is kind of motivational in a funny sort of way!!! Thanks again.

**Thon** · 16-01-2011,11:01 PM

My own 130TDI Sport was quiet at 128K when I bought it but started this "whistle" shortly after, which is definitely turbine speed-related. It has continued like this for 2 years and is now on 174K - I don't think it is a big problem but I think it is important to keep the turbo "exercised" by prolonged full boost acceleration and long runs to get it properly warm.

Thon.

**venetian-red** · 17-01-2011,09:05 PM

Thon, thanks for that reply, gives me a bit of peace of mind. Probably not helping is the fact that, generally, I do only 2 x 6 mile journey's per day, to work and then home, with everything not getting properly warmed up, in particular with the cold snap we have just had. I do a few motorway trips per month, which gets things 'exercised', but probably not enough. I do a lot of towing in the spring/summer, with my rally car on the trailer, so it gets plenty of exercise then!! Always take things really easy on a cold morning to allow the oil to circulate so fingers crossed all will continue well. Cheers.

Chipped2 · 17-01-2011,09:47 PM

I've had my Sept 2002 Passat Sport Estate 130 TDi since 2004 which has now have covered a total of 145k. Until recently I have never been aware of any turbo 'whistle' but like the above posts first became aware of it last autumn. I do use Miller Sport Diesel additive and did put it down to it's cleaning effect as I do tend to drive like it has been stolen at times and thought it had got rid of some of the rubbish that accumulates. I only hear it when accelerating gently from tickover after which it becomes inaudible, possibly masked by other sounds.

Oil is changed every 5k with VW Platinum and prior to that with VW PD oil so I have no worries with lack of maintenance or low oil levels as it uses none between changes. From the above posts above it seems that it's common and hasn't had any detrimental affect on anyones performance etc. Mine still pulls like a train and gives good economy etc, so best to ignore for the time being.

Will follow with interest any further posts.

Have ordered an injector wiring loom and am treating it as a service item together with a new alternator pulley too. Before I fit them I want to clean the manifold and EGR valve, simply to see what sort of state they are in after my own 86k so will post some pics.

**Izalman** · 18-01-2011,11:09 PM

VVT Turbos need to be 'exercised' to prevent sticking with carbon deposits, best thing is a good run trowlling the car up to 60 mph in 2nd/ 3rd up a motorway slip road once a week.
Tootling around town is death to a VVT turbo

As Eduardo says the noise is half the pleasure of owning a turbo diesel, my 405 diesel sounds like a cop car is behind us with its siren on....

**attila_tdi** · 19-01-2011,09:59 AM

bit more reassurance... I've got a 2003 tdi 130 with 125k exactly the same noise...

Had the car since 115 and bought it whining/whistling. Has not caused any problems at all.

**PeteK** · 19-01-2011,04:31 PM

Originally Posted by Chipped2

Have ordered an injector wiring loom and am treating it as a service item together with a new alternator pulley too. Before I fit them I want to clean the manifold and EGR valve, simply to see what sort of state they are in after my own 86k so will post some pics.

It would be good to see some pictures of the EGR / inlet manifold. This task is next on my list after having changed the injector loom a few weeks back after the engine started running rough.