Dear Doctor
You may remember that my Transit-based camper van had an engine fault light which was seemingly cured by a big dose of Millers. However, it returned a few months ago with a diagnostic check showing the turbo actuator “seized”. Do you have any experience of this area? The Ford dealer states a full turbocharger unit is required, but the aftermarket on the web is suggesting that the actuator could possibly be replaced alone. It seems to be reasonably accessible, whereas the turbo unit itself is definitely out of bounds for my spannering desires these days. The Ford dealer wants £2,300 for the task. Any thoughts? The hiccuping behaviour of power output may (or may not? Doc) be down to fuel management rather than the actuator trying to work.
I did have some exchanges with the boss (Ian R) about non-availability of the magazine locally, and it was nice to see someone else grafting away at work, building a business, after my 40 years at it. I am so happy that I no longer have to drive our crowded motorways though.
Regards,
Malcolm Billings
Hello Malcolm, I trust that, Transit Camper aside, all is well with you!
Yes, I do remember the previous problems and solution, and I can offer a glimmer of hope that’s a lot less than £2,300! Bearing in mind that Millers Diesel Power Ecomax is a multi-purpose detergent and cetane booster additive, one might hold out hopes that a more specialised additive could be more effective. With the alternative solution being potentially so costly, why not at least give it a go?
Wynn’s offer two products, a standard 325ml bottle of Diesel Turbo Cleaner, at around £10.95 (Amazon price) and a 500ml bottle of Professional Formula Diesel Turbo Cleaner, at around £13.95. You can read up the various claims on the web, but I have had very good feedback on the standard product, so the “Professional” alternative ought to be even better – even if only because there’s half as much again of it in the bottle as the standard stuff!
I am, of course, unsure whether you can get the engine started and the vehicle out on the road, to give it the required decent run and a bit of a blast that might clear things, but I very much hope that this is the case! Alternatively, walk away from the Ford retail dealer, fast, and try to find a good local light commercial independent garage, that probably knows the job better than any Ford car dealer, and who probably might halve the cost. I would think that a reconditioned turbo unit instead of a new one might be a good starting point, but as you say it might just be the actuator that is the problem – and I am presuming that we are referring to the variable vane actuator, which often sticks and then eventually seizes up. I know that there are some very good trade reconditioners of turbochargers. Ask a friendly local delivery company, or a local tradesman with a Transit, and you will probably get a pointer to a good van garage.
I wish you good fortune and hope that you will come back to me regarding what transpires.
Best regards
The Doc
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