I have noticed a whining vibrating squealy noise coming from the area where I think the turbo is located (at rear of engine). It is only very intermittent but when it occurs engine loses power. It is jsut like a computer cooling fan before it warms up. Is it likely to be the bearings?

It has only happened since I had a reconditioned engine fitted - they obviously fitted the turbo from the old engine.

Incidentally, the mpg has gine up by nearly a third since new engine was fitted.

Grateful for any help - I'm supposed to be doing a 500 mile trip in it later this week and wonder if I need to join the RAC

Steve

- (#6820) Steve Bachrach, 18 Jan 03

steve.
my turbo went a year ago due to me not keeping my engine oil topped up as i been told that the turbo lubricates its bearings with the engine oil.you better join the rac asap.i use to be with the aa and was with them for years then about 2 years ago my ace broke down outside my house,i got turbo bob to come have a look(recommended by bbc spares)bob took the head off and we discovered a hairline crack in one of the pistons,bob left the head off and i called the aa to take my ace to a local garage and they refused because
the head was removed,i told them that i needed to find
out what was wrong with it,needless to say where i told them to stick there card,i contacted the rac who had no problems in taking it to a garage,need i say more.dennis

- (#6821) DENNIS, 18 Jan 03

steve,
i forgot to tell you to look at ace answers at top of this page,once on it go to "fault"and then go to "noises" move down until you start to see "turbo"
you will find some good pointers,it could be a crack in the manifold,if you are still hearing the same noise after fitting a different turbo.dennis

- (#6822) DENNIS, 18 Jan 03

Check the rubber hose connecting the turbo to the inlet manifold. If it blows off, you'll loose power and get a helluva racket. If not that, I'd think it unlikely to be the manifold. More likely that the turbo bearings are so worn that one of the impellers is catching in the housing...

- (#6823) david miller, 19 Jan 03