Turbo failure: how to deal with frequent faults

BTN Turbo share a list of things to look for before fitting a replacement turbo
Turbochargers are very reliable. When they fail, the cause is usually elsewhere in the engine, according to the UK’s largest independent turbo distributor.

Using feedback from workshops and warranty claims to produce Critical Instructions for certain turbos, BTN Turbo has shared the latest examples of what you can check to help prevent the same problem recurring.

Restricted Breathing

A clogged engine breather system on some BMW and Land Rover diesel engines can restrict oil flow and increase sump pressure. Oil is forced into the turbo and the customer suddenly notices blue engine smoke.

This can show up after a new turbo is fitted, but might not have been apparent before. BTN Turbo recommends fitting a new breather filter when you replace the turbocharger.

Stuck EGR

The EGR valve on the Vauxhall Astra, Corsa, Combo and Meriva 1.7D is prone to carbon/exhaust soot deposits which make it stick, rapidly causing turbocharger damage. BTN Turbo advises removing the exhaust manifold, checking for carbon/soot build up, and cleaning or replacing the EGR valve.

Debris Damage

The VAG 1.9TD seems particularly prone to small items falling into the turbo and damaging the vanes. BTN’s critical instructions recommend checking the air intake and engine breather pipework for debris or dirt before cleaning or replacing.

Oil Problems – the biggest turbo killers

The Ford Transit 2.5LD can suffer from oil feed blockages and abrasive contaminants in the sump, damaging the turbo through oil starvation and scored bearings. BTN recommends removing and cleaning the sump, and replacing the oil strainer and feed pipe before you change the turbo.

blocked_oil_pipesOil problems are responsible for the vast majority of turbo failures. So even if the vehicle you’re working on isn’t covered by one of BTN’s critical instructions, checking the oil supply is vital to help avoid a repeat of the turbo failure.

View BTN Turbo’s Critical Instructions for free by clicking on ‘More Details’ below.


EGR valve blocked

  Debri damage