Looks Like My Turbo Went Big Time - It's Only Done 231,800 Miles&#

[Nick]

I think this is self evident, but would like to hear opinions.

 

Back ground; I've had turbo whine for the last 80,000+ miles. Came in around 2200 and was in sync with engine load. See a small smear of oil from up around the turbo for months and months, however the car used very little oil between the 10,000 mile services.

 

Yesterday; Engine would appear to 'limit' at around 3000rpm/80mph. Was pulling fine to that level.

 

Today; On the way to Exeter (I live in Bristol) engine was still limiting to 3000rpm for most of the way. Very sluggish up hills. The turbo was not it's usual high pitched whine but was by now a much lower frequency. The car was now issuing white smoke on pulling away (never done that before). Stopped for lunch and to let it cool down. Started back up fine then WOW! Engine raced, BIG white smoke, turned off the ignition but the engine was running and still racing!! Had to jamb the hand brake on and stall the motor to stop it. Scary moment or what! In that few seconds I think I heard clanking and rattling. Looked under the hood, as you do, all appeared ok. Plenty of oil (just changed the oil and filter a few miles ago, Ford OEM). Shit or bust so decided to try starting her again - veroom! Started right back up, but with lots of white smoke. Long story shortened, drove it back 80+ miles to Bristol. By the time I got home, you guest it, no oil left!

 

What to do now? - Ford (phone rough price) say

[Masked Marauder]

The turbo can be done with the engine and head in situ.

 

When you tried to turn the engine off and it kept going it would have been running on the engine oil getting through the tubo spindle oil seals.

 

A recon turbo is a total waste. It is a shame you left it so long as I have someone who I really trust in Brazil who can get brand new Garrat or KKK turbos for about a quarter of the price here. With sea shipping it is about a 3rd of the price as here, but it takes about 12 weeks to get here!

[raymac]

I think this is self evident, but would like to hear opinions.

 

Back ground; I've had turbo whine for the last 80,000+ miles. Came in around 2200 and was in sync with engine load. See a small smear of oil from up around the turbo for months and months, however the car used very little oil between the 10,000 mile services.

 

Yesterday; Engine would appear to 'limit' at around 3000rpm/80mph. Was pulling fine to that level.

 

Today; On the way to Exeter (I live in Bristol) engine was still limiting to 3000rpm for most of the way. Very sluggish up hills. The turbo was not it's usual high pitched whine but was by now a much lower frequency. The car was now issuing white smoke on pulling away (never done that before). Stopped for lunch and to let it cool down. Started back up fine then WOW! Engine raced, BIG white smoke, turned off the ignition but the engine was running and still racing!! Had to jamb the hand brake on and stall the motor to stop it. Scary moment or what! In that few seconds I think I heard clanking and rattling. Looked under the hood, as you do, all appeared ok. Plenty of oil (just changed the oil and filter a few miles ago, Ford OEM). Shit or bust so decided to try starting her again - veroom! Started right back up, but with lots of white smoke. Long story shortened, drove it back 80+ miles to Bristol. By the time I got home, you guest it, no oil left!

 

What to do now? - Ford (phone rough price) say

[sepulchrave]

I really think that replacing the turbo only is a total waste of time and money, if you're gonna have a spend-up then fit a complete reconditioned engine AND a new turbo, I would not trust the head casting after such a high mileage, and the tired engine is bound to have suffered from oil starvation during the drive back to Bristol.

 

Turbo Technics is the company I would use in your situation. Very good warranty, and their turbo's are remanufactured using brand new Garret parts.

[Masked Marauder]

Yep, top move! Turn a

[sepulchrave]

Okay MM, but this is a old tech diesel, NOT a PD lump and is widely available for sensible money from many reputable sources, I would say that

[Masked Marauder]

Personally I think common sense says not to spend thousands fitting a new engine to a 9 year old 230000+ miles car.

 

Incidentally when my turbo went in my truck at 650,000Km they fitted a new turbo, not a new turbo and engine.

[sepulchrave]

Personally, I would keep the car and run it further into the ground since it is worth next to nothing. It is for the owner to decide whether to write it off or not, it is likely that most of the problems experienced by Galaxy owners have already been ironed out or components replaced so the only worries remaining would be engine and transmission. I agree that fitting a new turbo is the first course of action, and the engine could be replaced later. Your truck engine is a different animal, my van has the same (non-turbo) engine as the OP and at 175,000 miles it's definitely becoming tired, as is the gearbox. Should get to 250k tho'. Auction it or fix it, but the rattling and clanking noises would definitely worry me!

[raymac]

Personally I think common sense says not to spend thousands fitting a new engine to a 9 year old 230000+ miles car.

 

Incidentally when my turbo went in my truck at 650,000Km they fitted a new turbo, not a new turbo and engine.

 

personally i would try turbo first then if lump is knackered get a second hand or recon unit because either way you will need a turbo :D

[Nick]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm going with a turbo technics unit. Local garage has been recommended who has lots of experience with these. The big question will be if they can get the manifold off with the studs in tact! If not then that will likely add another

[Nick]

Ok, recon turbo was fitted. They said the old one was a 'pig' to get off, but they managed it without the need to drill and retap. Turbo Technics gave a full exchange, saying that the problem was a failed main bearing. That makes sense 'cause it's been whistling for about 80,000 miles!

 

When this thing went I drove it home (limped) for about 80 miles. This emptied the sump oil into the exhaust. They had to drill holes in several parts of the exhaust to drain the oil - lots of smoke. Holes will be welded next week.

 

So hey, I'm back on the road at a cost of

[Masked Marauder]

I sincerely hope you get another 230K out of it! I was not surprised to hear it was just the turbo that needed done. You don't need much oil pressure to float the shells.

[Nick]

Here's the update as promised. I've now put 10,000 miles on the new turbo - not missed a beat. Performance and gas milage are fine. Aside from needing new drop links (will fit them if ever it stops raining) and disks/pads, this car could run forever - well done Ford!

[Guest Cepheus]

Nick, that's good going mate! Nice to hear that some diesel engines do work every now and then :o

[raymac]

Nick, that's good going mate! Nice to hear that some diesel engines do work every now and then :o

 

Have read somewhere that the 110tdi engine is renowned for its durability and them sort of miles seem to prove it :D

[tim-spam]

well done Ford!

VW?

[spacecowboy]

Ok, recon turbo was fitted. They said the old one was a 'pig' to get off, but they managed it without the need to drill and retap. Turbo Technics gave a full exchange, saying that the problem was a failed main bearing. That makes sense 'cause it's been whistling for about 80,000 miles!

 

When this thing went I drove it home (limped) for about 80 miles. This emptied the sump oil into the exhaust. They had to drill holes in several parts of the exhaust to drain the oil - lots of smoke. Holes will be welded next week.

 

So hey, I'm back on the road at a cost of