MOT emissions test blew the turbo

KTF

Hi all...

My 2003 Toledo 1.9 TDi (110bhp) with 93k went to the local garage for an MOT today and I got a phone call shortly after to say that when they did the emissions test the turbo blew and it now needs a new one.

They said that they warmed the engine up, accelerated to max revs to carry out the test then it let go.

This link seems to back this up so is it a case of 'bad luck' or should they not have red lined it?

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_740.htm

Am more curious than anything as its done now and I have used the same garage for years. They seem fine but could have done with out the unexpected £500 bill to say the least...

rumblefish

I could be wrong but I'd wager that garages are protected against such eventualities by whatever small-print is on the form you signed when the car went in for its MOT.

I know they have to gun these diesels quite a bit on the emissions test, but as far as I'm aware timing belts failing are the biggest danger when they're doing this although I'm no expert.

k66yla

Back in May I had my old car MOT'd. When he did the emissions test I seriously thought he was going to blow the engine up. It was at full revs for at least 5 mins! It failed anyway and not just on that. The garage have probably got a get out clause as previous poster has said.

s_b

they wont hold a diesel on the red line because a diesel engine with no load would blow thats why its build up quick, let off ,for the test
i suggest if you know the garage and you trust them it was a case of bad luck,maybe you molly coddle the car and the extra bit the garage did just took it over the edge
no comeback but im sure they will treat you with care

forgotmyname

Yeah when they test my turbo diesel, They floor the throttle and he lifts of just before the redline.

He says on some cars he lifts off before he really should, He doesnt want the hassle of situations
like that.

PsiDOC

I wonder when you last cooled the turbo down after running it? I'll bet never!

mikey72

A diesel engine should be limited, and can be held on the rev limiter safely. It just sounds really bad. My garage blip the throttle on mine, and call it a pass if they can see daylight behind it.

attila_

garages have a warning sign regarding smoke test (or should have). It basically says its not their responsibility if the cambelt goes etc. I cant remember seeing anything about turbos but i am sure they are covered.

KTF

PsiDOC wrote: »

I wonder when you last cooled the turbo down after running it? I'll bet never!

My journey to work it along the motorway with residential speeds at both end so it has time to warm up/cool down after the journey.

The only time it goes anywhere near the red line is at the MOT so I suspect it is the stress of that that did it more than anything.

Delivery_Driver

The turbo itself wouldn't be under that much stress doing this as the engine won't be under much load and most of the exhaust gases will be going straight out of the wastegate rather than spinning the turbo.Turbos generally fail due to poor lubrication or a foreign object going through them.
Just sounds like bad luck, or rather bad timing.

Hammyman

KTF wrote: »

Hi all...

My 2003 Toledo 1.9 TDi (110bhp) with 93k went to the local garage for an MOT today and I got a phone call shortly after to say that when they did the emissions test the turbo blew and it now needs a new one.

They said that they warmed the engine up, accelerated to max revs to carry out the test then it let go.

This link seems to back this up so is it a case of 'bad luck' or should they not have red lined it?

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_740.htm

Am more curious than anything as its done now and I have used the same garage for years. They seem fine but could have done with out the unexpected £500 bill to say the least...

If it redlined then the engine governor was faulty. It is up to the owner to ensure the vehicle is fit for the test.

If the turbo failed then that is because you have taken absolutely no notice of what is in the owners manual about leaving the engine idling for a minute or so when you've been on a journey to allow the turbo to cool so it was already virtually dead before it went in for the test and the test was the final straw - it would have happened in the not too distant future anyway.