Well, I think I may have found out why my car is making 'blowing' noises at 2000rpm. After a Turbo failure I made the logical move of having a new one fitted, shortly after this a noise developed where under acceleration the car would sound like a hissing turbine at 2k rpm. This came on gradually and is now rather noticeable, there is also very evident black clouding from the exhaust when the hissing noise is at it's loudest..... It's getting quite annoying cleaning the carbon from the car's rear end.

 

I had put this down to a badly fitted pipe, but checked these today and although there is a bit more play then I would expect, no evidence of oil/carbon build up or leaking. With the exception of around the intercooler. There was very evident oil and carbon splatter both around the underside of the intercooler where the line from the Turbo attaches and in the cavity behind the fog-light. Through deduction I'm therefore guessing that the intercooler is less then gas-tight, possibly damaged by Turbo debris when she went pop and has gotten worse through driving and applying pressure through it..

 

Does this sound reasonable? How difficult would it be to change the intercooler myself?

 

 

It's easy enough to change, just requires removing the front bumper. I'm sure there will be guides on here on how to remove it.

Removing the bumper is easy. Few tors under the car and some push type clips. 4 or 5 torxs in the wheel arch and two bigger ones under the bonnet where the bottom of the grill would be if it was closed. Then peel the sides of the bumper taking note that the bumper goes on the out side of the top wheel arch securing bolt ( you'll see what I mean )

Pull the bumper foward and disconnect the fog wiring and the air temp sensor and there you have it.

Intercooler is held on with 3 long 10mm bolts. Once you do it a few times it will take no longer than 30 mins to remove and replace.

Excellent. Any suggestions on the best place to source a new one?

Just a quick picture of where the fixings are located roughly.

Excellent. Any suggestions on the best place to source a new one?

I may have a used one in the shed if your interested. If not then skoda or you could try euro car parts.

I may have a used one in the shed if your interested. If not then skoda or you could try euro car parts.

 

If it's perfectly functional i'll take it. What do you want for it?