Having had my 1990 royal lounge towny for about 2 weeks now, the orange light on the turbo has started to come on. Having read through the turbo section on ACE it apprently means a wastegate failure but I can't find anything about that. Now what? Turbos are all new to me so I have absolutely no idea.
- (#5532) Dave B, 16 Sep 02
At what times is the light coming on, if at low revs you have a problem, or does it just flash if you accelerate hard or rev hard, but as you say it does tend to suggest a sticky wastegate, this basically means that the turbo continues to spin faster & faster with engine speed, rather that the exhaust gases that drive it being able to bypass it, this increased speed means more turbo boost than the engine was designed to handle, in the worst case it could cause engine failure, so I would see a turbo diesel specialist soon, if you don't know what you're doing. Could also be a faulty pressure sensor, so get it checked out. Regards Rob.
- (#5533) Rob Drinkwater, 16 Sep 02
Thanks for the prompt reply Rob. Though I didn't know it was a bad sign, I had a sneaky feeling so whenever it came on I back off the throttle after only a couple of seconds and it stays on until I ease off. it seems to come on under acceleration (worryingly not with my foot that well down) at about 3,000rpm or a little sooner up hills. Better have a word with the warranty guy if not smile sweetly at the bank manager. Anyone any ideas what it's likely to cost and any suggestions of a good specialist in or around Oldham?
- (#5534) Dave B, 16 Sep 02
Recon turbos are not terribly expensive in actual fact, follow some of the links on the main site & you'll see som turbo prces, as for garages in your are, sorry can't help, I'mm a southerner, regards Rob.
- (#5535) Rob Drinkwater, 16 Sep 02
Check to see whether the wastegate pressure hose is dislodged. Remove the small access plate behind the driver's seat, and reach down at the front of the turbo, behind the alternator. At the botton, there's a short hose, goes in a semicircle around the inlet pipe (roughly). That links the wastegate actuator to the turbo. Hose might just've blown off.
After that, it's holed diaphragm or seized wastegate valve. Both pretty unlikely.
S/H turbo £150, recon £300. Or just get an actuator if necessary.
Pressure sensors tend not to get more sensitive when failes, so I'd probably discount that one.
On balance ( I run mine at increased boost so I know what the orange light's meant to do...)I'd say there's some boost control, as they normally bring the orange light on at around 2k under load. So check for a slight leak- split hose perhaps. And move the wastegate gently by hand- extend the rod towards the rear of the car about 1/2" a couple of times to clean it
- (#5536) david miller, 16 Sep 02
hi, try helmshore motor co. in Helmshore, not too far from you, they know these vehicles inside out.
phil
- (#5537) phil elliott, 16 Sep 02
Well, I spoke to the guy I bought it from (Car Centre at Prestatyn) and he very kindly told me bring it back and they'd sort it out. Had some in and it would be a day of a job. After spending the day in Rhyl in the rain returned only to be told the head gasket was going (I mentioned it overheated at 60+ or hill climbing) So they loaned me a Peugot 405 to get home, again very nice of them. Alas that's 3 week ago and me rig won't be ready until Friday at the earliest. Apprantly it failed a pressure test after skimming so a new head was ordered (new or recon' I'm not sure). Missing her like mad. Especially as this bag of crap they loaned me don't have any headroom, I have to sit with my head under the sun roof or have it against the headlining. Still, I suppose I should be greatful it's all being done under warranty. Am I being synical or does it sound like it was going anyway, they knew I'd be back and the warranty was in the price, so let me take it, bring it back and charge RAC warranties for it. So far since buying it they've had it as long as me. Whinge over, I feel much better for it too. Thanks for the shoulder.
- (#5771) Dave B, 8 Oct 02