Turbo gone at 52k possible??

[Iknownothing]

The turbo has been making more of a groaning noise rather than whistle since I bought it. It also seems to change tone abruptly when the draw on it changes. This morning I started it and there was a little bluey white smoke but when under load there was plumes of white smoke. The turbo was delivering power though but I've no idea if it's down on power or not.

Theres no warnings on the dash either

Its a 2.0 tdi 170 brd engine on a 57 plate with 52k on the clock (seems genuine as all paperwork and mots tally up). Could it be something like an air leak or am I just in dreamland and I need a new turbo?

 

[Molnboman]

Am no expert Mate but white smoke could be heading towards a turbo on the way out, however, if you don't notice a significant decrease in power, your turbo must at least still be working. You should take it to your favourite garage and get them to run a diagnostic. IMHO 52k seems very low mileage for a turbo to go....however, if you have not owned it from new, you don't know what sort of life the car has had before you. On the bright side there's a lot worse costs than replacing a turbo...still a choker though....if that's what it really is.
Good luck,
A

 

[B5NUT]

How many owners from new? The last owner could have been winding back the clock before every MOT, so they would tally up. You should be able to check with VCDS on that ECU, as 57K on a 6 year old car with a possible turbo fault does may you wonder.

 

[Steve220]

Does the white smoke continue once the car is fully warmed up? Ie 5-6 minutes after the water has reached max temp? My car has 33k miles and is 7 years old, not entirely sure why people assume that low mileage car will be necessarily clocked. Turbos can die if they've been mistreated, ie given full boost from cold, not allowed to cool down properly before turning off the ignition or the boost raised needlessly as this will over speed the core.

 

[Iknownothing]

Does the white smoke continue once the car is fully warmed up? Ie 5-6 minutes after the water has reached max temp? My car has 33k miles and is 7 years old, not entirely sure why people assume that low mileage car will be necessarily clocked. Turbos can die if they've been mistreated, ie given full boost from cold, not allowed to cool down properly before turning off the ignition or the boost raised needlessly as this will over speed the core.

I ran it for 4-5 mins and the white smoke continued at idle and under load. I haven't run it since as I was worried I might be causing more damage. The oil level is so f@&£ing hard to read, I'm concerned it's burnt loads off already, although the oil level light hasn't come on yet.

I hpi'd it and checked the dvla history that another user suggested some time ago. Both matched up and the general wear of the drivers seat and pedals doesn't lead to believe the mileage to be false, but I can understand that it can all be faked I guess

 

[B5NUT]

It does happen, there have been a few threads over the years were people have cars on finance, had a limited number of miles per year so each year before the service/mot they nock back the extra miles, and HPI checks are useless for that sort of deception.

If you have any breakdown assist, get them to collect the car and drop it off at your specialist I wouldn't drive it as if the turbo goes you could cause damage & extra bills.

 

[B5NUT]

My car has 33k miles and is 7 years old, not entirely sure why people assume that low mileage car will be necessarily clocked.

Most people by TDI's as they are doing big miles so need an economical car, If I was only doing 5K miles a year they I won't spend the extra money buying the diesel engine, I'd go for a petrol engine.

 

[Molnboman]

Most people by TDI's as they are doing big miles so need an economical car, If I was only doing 5K miles a year they I won't spend the extra money buying the diesel engine, I'd go for a petrol engine.

+1 with this...I had real bad luck with diesels.Switched to petrol cars for the last few years with no regrets. The additional costs of petrol is much preferred over the regular visits to the garage to fix a knackered engine. I think modern diesel engines are far too complicated in order to keep the emissions down...when did you ever hear of the old style merc diesels breaking down...I know that's sweeping generalisation but you check forums from any car brand ( GM,Toyota, Audi ) and the hassles from diesel engines versus petrol. Apologies, not trying to rub salt into your wounds Mate. Get your car to a garage soon.

BR
A

 

[Steve220]

Most people by TDI's as they are doing big miles so need an economical car, If I was only doing 5K miles a year they I won't spend the extra money buying the diesel engine, I'd go for a petrol engine.

MOST do, around here most cars are very low mileage or stupidly high due to the location. I only drive on the weekends so the car will do low mileage, on occasions I do 500 mile trips to England so want something economical.

 

[Iknownothing]

Thought I'd drive to the dealer for repair to try and reduce my costs but didn't even get to the end of the road. Too much smoke. Pulled back on the drive with oil dripping from the tail pipes. Think I can be sure it's the turbo now. Low loader coming tomorrow. Deep deep joy.

 

[D8UGF]

Sorry to hear that mate, I was reading through this and until I got to your last post thought i could have given you some encouraging news. My turbo made pretty much the same noise and when I spoke with Audi mechs about this they said that the turbo actually is designed to do this when the load on it changes (I cant remember the reason given for this) he even took me out with in the car and replicated the noise with the gear changes. To be fair, that was about ten-fifteen thousand miles ago and its not gone pop yet.

Although, I have to say, it was not in conjunction with any smoke other than the usual black stuff you get when accelerating hard.

Hope its not too serious, but from your description it doesnt sound good.

Dougie

 

[Iknownothing]

UPDATE:
The company I bought the car from reconditioned the turbo FOC! Result! Seems much quieter now and economy is MUCH better!

It has developed a pretty big oil leak from what looks like the cam cover gasket though :/. Nearly there with the thing now and at least a gasket isn't going to cost me 2k woot!

Cheers for all advice