Hi, 

 

My 54 Octy 1.9 PD TDI (BKC) has been suffering from loss of power since last weekend. EML is on and no turbo kicked in. Once having started the car from cold engine, a puff of white smoke comes out of exhaust. I also noticed white smoke comes out when doing hard acceleration switching between 1st and 3rd gear.  I also realised my engine oil level was extremely low yesterday and have topped it up but it doesn't resolve the problem. 

 

I got a few codes by using a basic memo scanner (Can VW U281, codes only without details):

17055,

17056,

17057,

17058,

16683,

18104

 

Following a research on the forum I understand 16683 means turbocharger problem. My local garage also pointed out my turbocharger seized because of bad oil feed and suggested I need a new Turbo (costing over £1k !!). 

 

Before I go broke by spending 1k on the new turbo, could anyone tell me what the problem is? Would the low engine oil level cause it and damage the turbo? Thanks

The white smoke coming from the exaust when I'm accelerating hard. Would you reckon that is unburnt fuel? Also the car runs a bit rough when clutch up at 1st and 2nd gear. Checking the engine cap as well but no mayo-like stuff there, so my headgasket is all right?  Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Check the coolant level for sign of loss.

Blue smoke would usually indicate oil burning in combustion chambers but white-blue may indicate oil being partially burned at the turbo.

White smoke probably points to a fuel issue e.g. dirty/worn injectors/bad fuel?/timing out.

What does the smoke smell like? An acrid melted plastic smell usually indicates oil burning and unburnt diesel smells... well dieselly!

You could try adding some diesel cleaner to the tank at double the size and giving it an Italian tune up.

Since your oil levels have been low it's possible the quality of the oil has deteriorated to the point of being detrimental to the high speed/hot turbo.

How do you drive it, nice n easy or spirited?

If the former it sounds like you probably just need your turbo decoked as the VNT mechanism may be jammed.

First check all vacuum hoses to the turbo for integrity and try to push the actuator rod by hand.

If it's really stiff or won't budge the please search the Mr Muscle post on here on how to fix it, shouldn't cost more than a few pounds for materials if you shop at bargain store for product, surprisingly Halfords was cheaper than pet store for a length of hose.

Edited 4 December, 201510 yr by MicMac

A new turbo at euro car parts start at £400 for a remanfractired one and bout £550 for a new one. Both have a £70 surcharge on them.

If it has a surcharge on a part, it's a re-con. New parts don't have surcharges on them. A lot of factors will tell you it's a new part when it's not.

Thanks MicMac, Stuart and meta55b for your replies. 

 

No sign of loss for coolant level. 

 

As MicMac suggested, It's blue smoke from exhaust when start and just now black smoke gassing at neutral gear. Does it mean partially burnt diesel?

 

Eurocarparts has 2 new turbochargers compatible to my Octy but there still has a £24 surcharge 

Check the condition of the air filter and ensure there are no blockages to filter box.

Black smoke would indicate over fueling relative to available air either from clogged air filter or stuck VNT turbo.

Carry out the turbo checks I mentioned previously, it may be an easy and cheap fix.

It's easy to forget the basics, check all post turbo pipework/intercooler for splits or popped connection, listen for unusual hissing sounds when blipping accelerator, look for oil drip accumulation.

Edited 5 December, 201510 yr by MicMac