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We took our T4 based campervan out for a run on Saturday, and after an hour the turbo appeared to stop working. This happened 3 years ago, when it was under warranty, and the dealer said it was the catalytic converter, which they replaced FOC. They said the turbo unit itself never breaks down.

Now we are wondering if it is the cat again- expensive- or could it be something simple? Has anyone any ideas, please, as this time we are paying!!

The van still runs well, and in fact I found I was creeping close to 70 on the way home on the motorway. We usually try to stick to 60ish for fuel economy.

What makes you think the turbocharger is not working? The turbocharger operates under high load conditions such as climbing hills or hard acceleration. When cruising it is not needed as the fuel pump limits the fuel injected.

I have never seen a catalytic converter fitted to a diesel. Are you sure it has one?

We have a VW Golf auto diesel and it runs as smooth as silk.

Thanks peeps

Yes, going uphill on the motorway did feel sluggish, no guts at all, not at all the usual performance, and we were reluctant to try and overtake in this situation. We definitely missed the whine we are used to. Remember we were only out for a run, so had no water in the tanks, clothes, food or drink in the lockers, or bikes on the back!

Spoke to the dealer, who is talking about the "air mass flow meter" (??)

PS

The dealer tried to make us feel better by saying he has had 4 new cats in 2 years on his Astra turbo diesel, as they can go at any time!!

How reassuring

Check the air filter, if it is really dirty it may be restricting the air flow needed to allow the turbo to spool up properly.

-Kevin

heres a tip for you all, drive in 2nd gear for 2 miles at 30MPH. before you take your car/van/moterhome fo the MOT, not petrol. give it some stick.it will clear out most of the sh!t from the engine.

floppy