Hdj100 turbo not spinning. What now?

[Moggul]

I am experiencing a lack of power in my HDJ100 and I believe the turbo is not generating any pressure as cannot hear it spinning (no whistle). Also I have connected my diagnostic tool and pressure remains under 1 bar at 3k revs.

So I have 3 questions.

1. Can Iconfirm that the turbo is not working based on this information?
2. Am I causing any troubles using the car in these conditions?
3. How do I go from here? The car idles and sounds perfect, except for the lack of power

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hulsty]

They dont make 1bar from factory, that figure your getting is about right. Has the turbo previously whistled ? Could be multiple other reasons.

 

[duncanrm]

Have you pulled the air intake off and tried rotating the compressor wheel with your finger? (engine off).. isnt the 1 Bar just atmospheric pressure?

 

[Dougal]

Most stock vehicles don't have turbo whistle. If you've modified the intake or exhaust you might hear it. Boost level seems normal.

 

[Moggul]

Thanks for the responses so far.

As I understand it, the MAP sensor reads total air pressure in the intake manifold. Therefore, for a turbo engine it should read atmospheric pressure + turbo generated pressure. If the reading is just atmosferic pressure then I assume that turbo boost is zero. As a reference, the MAP reading stays roughly the same from idel to 3k rpm.

@duncanrm thanks for the suggestion. Will check that in case the wheel is seized.

 

[HDJ80L]

Looks like the tool is just reading atmospheric pressure then. For proper turbocharger diagnostics I'd follow the troubleshooting steps in the Engine repair manual (e.g. RM896E), from checking for intake or exhaust manifold leaks, to impeller wheel rotation and more

 

[VADUS]

As I understand it, the MAP sensor reads total air pressure in the intake manifold. Therefore, for a turbo engine it should read atmospheric pressure + turbo generated pressure.

That is correct, and it means your turbo is not working. You then have the following options:

1. It is seized, as the guys mentioned above. Consider rebuilding/replacing/upgrading your turbo.
2. The wastegate rod or actuator is seized in the open position. You will need to find the cause.
3. If you have a later facelift model with a VGT, the variable vanes may be seized. You will need to remove the hot housing and clean them.

 

[Moggul]

That is correct, and it means your turbo is not working. You then have the following options:

1. It is seized, as the guys mentioned above. Consider rebuilding/replacing/upgrading your turbo.
2. The wastegate rod or actuator is seized in the open position. You will need to find the cause.
3. If you have a later facelift model with a VGT, the variable vanes may be seized. You will need to remove the hot housing and clean them.

Thank you VADUS.

This happened after a very muddy trip so I am suspecting maybe the wastegate is stuck open due to mud. Is there a good way to visually inspect the rod and actuator? I have tried both from above and below the engine but it is buried very deep and I cannot really check it.

For reference my car has a normal non-VGT turbo.

Thanks for your help!

 

[VADUS]

I doubt that mud could affect the rod that much, because the actuator spring is rather strong. It would have to be something solid to jam it — like a wrench that accidentally fell in there. Another possible reason is a lost connection between the rod and the gate lever.

Yes, it's really hard to see or do anything in there. You would probably need to remove the turbo.