Hi all,
In January I started a thread called 'Another TDI90 limp mode sufferer' following fairly consistent limp mode problems on my 90. I hadn't been hugely concerned about it until it happened again (on the way home from MOT!) but this time stayed in what seemed like limp mode.
Long story short, following some advice from the forum and on further examination, I discovered it was actually turbo failure with the lever on the turbo jammed in the down position. Yeah yeah, I know, common story VNT on the 90 but I really didn't imagine I'd be writing that mine was dead as it's already been replaced once.
A few things to note on this car before I go on;
- Prior to the turbo issue this car has been fantastic, 34,000 trouble free miles in just less than 2 years of my ownership - no breakdowns or unexpected problems. The car pulled really well and was an absolute joy to drive. Car is currently on 139K.
- The factory turbo replaced already on this car cost a previous owner of over 2K with all the other work at the time, this was only 57,000 miles ago. The work was done by a specialist and was fairly detailed and extensive. I really thought I was in the clear on the turbo, at least for another 30/40K...
- The car has some nice parts and upgrades fitted, the most notable being completely replaced suspension components with STX coilovers, all Alloy intercooler, completely replaced rear ATE brakes, calipers and all components and Votex kit (with all original covers!)
- Since the turbo failed I've taken the car out to listen for any engine issues because I decided early on that if it had swallowed any metal I would likely find out quite soon and that would make my decision easier. The car is still running and driving without major noises or rattles, so potentially it is repairable.
- There are a few negatives with this car, the bodykit could do with repainting, the Climate control is temperamental, the battery is duff, and there is a slight oil leak somewhere at the back of the engine...
As I've never actually introduced the car on the forum or made it to a social, here's a couple of picture's so you can see how it looks. I was saving for a proper car write up thread but this may be the only time I get to show the car, plus it helps illustrate my dilemma as it doesn't look half bad:
So...
I still don't know what to do to be honest, I have some ball park figures on fitting a new turbo (considerably north of £1000 whichever way you look at it) and that doesn't guarantee me a working car of course even if I take the leap. I think what concerns me most is that this will be the 3rd turbo going on this car and if it turns out to be more terminal than just the turbo again this time around, I could be looking at close to the 2K mark....add that to what I've already put into this car it just doesn't stack up.
6 weeks ago I was thinking seriously about removing all the good stuff; suspension, alloy intercooler, votex etc... and moving the car on for parts or repair, but when I stick my head in the garage I still look at the car and think it's probably too good to split, even though it's a long way from show perfect.
If I do decide to go ahead with work I'd welcome any advice on what other things could be replaced/renewed/serviced at the same time as the turbo replacement. If it's having some major work completed I really don't want it to be back in for some cheap and easy part that could have gone in when the turbo was done!
I also have a bit of an issue with moving the car, I've been getting some online quotes in but they are well over a hundred quid for a jouney one way to a garage such as WOM, which I can't really afford to do on top of the main anticipated costs... plus with the car being very low I'd like to help load and unload to avoid my votex kit eating the tarmac...
If anyone has any ideas about economically moving my A2 from Coventry to a garage in the coming weeks, please let me know.
Cheers for reading this slightly wordy post!
Kennedy.
In January I started a thread called 'Another TDI90 limp mode sufferer' following fairly consistent limp mode problems on my 90. I hadn't been hugely concerned about it until it happened again (on the way home from MOT!) but this time stayed in what seemed like limp mode.
Long story short, following some advice from the forum and on further examination, I discovered it was actually turbo failure with the lever on the turbo jammed in the down position. Yeah yeah, I know, common story VNT on the 90 but I really didn't imagine I'd be writing that mine was dead as it's already been replaced once.
A few things to note on this car before I go on;
- Prior to the turbo issue this car has been fantastic, 34,000 trouble free miles in just less than 2 years of my ownership - no breakdowns or unexpected problems. The car pulled really well and was an absolute joy to drive. Car is currently on 139K.
- The factory turbo replaced already on this car cost a previous owner of over 2K with all the other work at the time, this was only 57,000 miles ago. The work was done by a specialist and was fairly detailed and extensive. I really thought I was in the clear on the turbo, at least for another 30/40K...
- The car has some nice parts and upgrades fitted, the most notable being completely replaced suspension components with STX coilovers, all Alloy intercooler, completely replaced rear ATE brakes, calipers and all components and Votex kit (with all original covers!)
- Since the turbo failed I've taken the car out to listen for any engine issues because I decided early on that if it had swallowed any metal I would likely find out quite soon and that would make my decision easier. The car is still running and driving without major noises or rattles, so potentially it is repairable.
- There are a few negatives with this car, the bodykit could do with repainting, the Climate control is temperamental, the battery is duff, and there is a slight oil leak somewhere at the back of the engine...
As I've never actually introduced the car on the forum or made it to a social, here's a couple of picture's so you can see how it looks. I was saving for a proper car write up thread but this may be the only time I get to show the car, plus it helps illustrate my dilemma as it doesn't look half bad:
So...
I still don't know what to do to be honest, I have some ball park figures on fitting a new turbo (considerably north of £1000 whichever way you look at it) and that doesn't guarantee me a working car of course even if I take the leap. I think what concerns me most is that this will be the 3rd turbo going on this car and if it turns out to be more terminal than just the turbo again this time around, I could be looking at close to the 2K mark....add that to what I've already put into this car it just doesn't stack up.
6 weeks ago I was thinking seriously about removing all the good stuff; suspension, alloy intercooler, votex etc... and moving the car on for parts or repair, but when I stick my head in the garage I still look at the car and think it's probably too good to split, even though it's a long way from show perfect.
If I do decide to go ahead with work I'd welcome any advice on what other things could be replaced/renewed/serviced at the same time as the turbo replacement. If it's having some major work completed I really don't want it to be back in for some cheap and easy part that could have gone in when the turbo was done!
I also have a bit of an issue with moving the car, I've been getting some online quotes in but they are well over a hundred quid for a jouney one way to a garage such as WOM, which I can't really afford to do on top of the main anticipated costs... plus with the car being very low I'd like to help load and unload to avoid my votex kit eating the tarmac...
If anyone has any ideas about economically moving my A2 from Coventry to a garage in the coming weeks, please let me know.
Cheers for reading this slightly wordy post!
Kennedy.