Turbo Leak?

[fullerlee]

I've got a 2001 Passat 1.9 TDI 130.

I'm experiencing what seems to be a leaky turbo system. I feel the turbo up to around 2.5-3k, then it drops to nothing and I basically have no power. If I pull off the throttle a bit I get a slight increase in power. To me, it feels like the turbo is ok until it is at full spool, after which the pressure is too high and is leaking somewhere.

It looks like the previous owner had problems with the undertray and they drilled self tappers into a large rectangular pipe towards the front of the car. I'm sure I've felt and heard air leaking from this and that it's part of the turbo system.

My local mechanic got it up onto a ramp, I showed him where I though the leak was coming from, and he said it's just structural and not meant to be air tight. I'm not a mechanic and couldn't really argue, but I think he's wrong.

Can anyone give any insight into what this pipe is? I can take a pic if neccessary, but it's at the garage at the moment.

Thanks,

Lee

[caldirun]

I've got a 2001 Passat 1.9 TDI 130.

I'm experiencing what seems to be a leaky turbo system. I feel the turbo up to around 2.5-3k, then it drops to nothing and I basically have no power. If I pull off the throttle a bit I get a slight increase in power. To me, it feels like the turbo is ok until it is at full spool, after which the pressure is too high and is leaking somewhere.

It looks like the previous owner had problems with the undertray and they drilled self tappers into a large rectangular pipe towards the front of the car. I'm sure I've felt and heard air leaking from this and that it's part of the turbo system.

My local mechanic got it up onto a ramp, I showed him where I though the leak was coming from, and he said it's just structural and not meant to be air tight. I'm not a mechanic and couldn't really argue, but I think he's wrong.


Can anyone give any insight into what this pipe is? I can take a pic if neccessary, but it's at the garage at the moment.

Thanks,

Lee

There is a tube across the bottom of the radiator, a pipe connects it to the intercooler, squirt some silicone sealant into the holes and try the turbo when it cures, if it works, tap the holes 1/8 gas and plug em!

[fullerlee]

There is a tube across the bottom of the radiator, a pipe connects it to the intercooler, squirt some silicone sealant into the holes and try the turbo when it cures, if it works, tap the holes 1/8 gas and plug em!

If I'm understanding you correctly, you say to fill the holes with sealant to see if that fixes the problem. I understand what you mean by tap the holes, but not the reference to 1/8 gas - can you explain in more detail please?

Thanks,

Lee

[caldirun]

If I'm understanding you correctly, you say to fill the holes with sealant to see if that fixes the problem. I understand what you mean by tap the holes, but not the reference to 1/8 gas - can you explain in more detail please?

Thanks,

Lee

Sorry, BSP a tapered thread, used for gas-tight joints

[fullerlee]

Sorry, BSP a tapered thread, used for gas-tight joints

Right I think I've got you, sorry for being thick, appreciate the help.

My plan is this:

1. Completely remove the undertray (so I can see where I'm working).
2. Plug all the holes currently in the pipe with silicone sealant (stuff you'd use for water-tight seals in bathrooms etc?
3. Wait for sealant to cure.
4. Go for a spin to see if it's fixed.
5. If fixed, use BS taper thread screws - Do I screw these into the sealant?

Do you reckon that would be a permanent fix, or should I get it welded?

Thanks

[caldirun]

Right I think I've got you, sorry for being thick, appreciate the help.

My plan is this:

1. Completely remove the undertray (so I can see where I'm working).
2. Plug all the holes currently in the pipe with silicone sealant (stuff you'd use for water-tight seals in bathrooms etc?
3. Wait for sealant to cure.
4. Go for a spin to see if it's fixed.
5. If fixed, use BS taper thread screws - Do I screw these into the sealant?

Do you reckon that would be a permanent fix, or should I get it welded?

Thanks

If its the tube that goes across the front below the radiator and has 60mm hoses attached at each end, its the turbo circuit, just tap it and plug it, use sealant on the threads as belt and braces. The under tray is just held with 5 turnbuckles and a 10mm AF nut, 2 mins to remove (assuming no nutter has drilled the turbo tube and put self tappers in it!!!)

[fullerlee]

If its the tube that goes across the front below the radiator and has 60mm hoses attached at each end, its the turbo circuit, just tap it and plug it, use sealant on the threads as belt and braces. The under tray is just held with 5 turnbuckles and a 10mm AF nut, 2 mins to remove (assuming no nutter has drilled the turbo tube and put self tappers in it!!!)

I'm pretty sure that's the tube. If I put my finger over (one of) the holes and rev the engine, I can feel the pressure (and warmth!).

One last question. It's likely that I'm still going to have to use the holes in the pipe to affix the undertray - the proper fixing arms have disappeared. Do you think I'll find a tapered bolt (plastic?) to be able to do this? If so - b&q?

thanks,
Lee

[caldirun]

I'm pretty sure that's the tube. If I put my finger over (one of) the holes and rev the engine, I can feel the pressure (and warmth!).

One last question. It's likely that I'm still going to have to use the holes in the pipe to affix the undertray - the proper fixing arms have disappeared. Do you think I'll find a tapered bolt (plastic?) to be able to do this? If so - b&q?

thanks,
Lee

Pop down the dealers and buy the brackets and fixings