Mini Clubman 1.6 D, Turbo Issue

[gracon]

Hi,

We got the above car in March and have recently been advised the Turbo may be going, at the same time I was told that replacing them is a massive job and the replacement turbo is only good for about 1500 miles.

Is this correct? Is this a common fault on this engine?

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Who said "May be going"? Is he guessing?

[gracon]

The garage that do my servicing, he said the turbo is loose which is a sign that they are on the way out. He won't do the repair if it does go as he's had no end of problems re-fitting them (mainly on Pug's, as it's the same engine).

So I am trying to find out if this is a common fault, if there is an ongoing issue once replaced or if I should just cut my losses, sell it and buy something with what I can get for it.

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

This is where I am confused a little...

By "Loose" he must mean the turbo fan-bearings, there is a tiny degree of "float" in these bearings. Too much slackness would cause the oil that lubes these bearings to burn, you'd probably notice the stink at the tail-pipe too!

Whats the mileage?

... And would you say it pulls as it should?

[gracon]

It's not burning oil at all, as for the pull it isn't what it was when we first got it. It seems to come and go, some days it's good others seems to be sluggish.

Mileage is 94k but got fsh.

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Slightly above average mileage but it shouldn't worry the turbo as such, especially because it will have been serviced well...

The turbo actuator maybe the issue matey (if there is an issue), these can "stick" sometimes as they're more exposed ! Just a thought !

[gracon]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I would have thought if it was a common fault then I would have found more about it on line but can't seem to. Think I'll take a trip to a mini dealer and get it looked at, got to be worth spending a little before I get rid of it.

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Good man... Ask if they will do a once-over on the actuator setting and waste-gate...

If it has an intercooler, get them to clean it out ! Or do it yourself ;)