New or recon turbo?

[smashingguy]

After 9 months of having a turbo whistle from my seat leon (2007 2.0 tdi 140bhp) I have finally booked it in with a mechanic who comes recommended. The last mechanic told me that the turbo whistle was the alternator belt whinning!

The mechanic I have booked it in with has said that if the turbo is faulty (as opposed to a boost leak), he recommends that he fits a new one, but if I don't plan to keep the car long then fit a recon one.

I have spent so much on the car that I intend keeping for a while (although I do change my mind frequently). My question is, how much would a new seat turbo cost, and if i went down the recon route, what company could i trust that sells properly reconned turbos that is near Uxbridge (Heathrow), or that could even post one out next day delivery?

The car is going in this Friday, but I want to be prepared for the worst, so if I get the call saying the turbo is knackered, I know what turbo to go for.

 

[TimSawf]

Are you sat down. A new turbo and manifold for the 140TDi (BMM engine) from SEAT appears to be about £1360. I would source a recon from somewhere, there must be firms doing them.

 

[DerbyForget]

the massive price is due to it being a garett turbo I believe (top quality) if I ever had any problems I think I would go for a recon'ed one from a reputable company as the cost difference is a no brainer. turbos if never starved of oil or boost pressure cranked up to high should easily cover 100-150k miles. a turbo whistle on spool up is a normal sound, and as long as she still pulls you know the turbo is working to some extent... when you start getting a loss of power and plenty of blue smoke out of the exhaust then I'd get it looked at.

 

[smashingguy]

Thanks for the replies, I can't live with the noise anymore, it is okay until I put my foot down, and then the whistle/howl is so loud that I am waiting for it to go (so I have to drive it like a vicar). £1360 is crazy plus the cost of fitting on top.

If anyone knows who does decent recon turbos I would be grateful. I have seen them on ebay for around £300 which seems cheap to me, but I just don't feel comfortable buying one from there.

 

[DerbyForget]

that sounds about right for a recon'ed turbo but I know what you mean about buying one off eBay. I'd personally like to know where it's coming from etc. google it lol

 

[Redemption]

Personally, I'd get a new one (especially if it's a VNT Turbo). Try BTN Turbo as they're based in Cowley, Uxbridge.

 

[smashingguy]

Thanks for info about BTN. I just went on their website, and they are selling garrett exchange recon turbos for £630 and a new one for £785 (it showed it as model GTA17V VNT). Not as much between a new and recon one as I thought. Does anyone know if this includes vat?

 

[Redemption]

I highly doubt it's a recon. More than likely an exchange for a new one and you give them your old unit. The new price is usually for an outright purchase.

Garrett won't supply spare parts to recondition a VNT turbo and even they won't recondition one. New unit supply only.

http://www.turbo.com.sg/e-news/Garrett VNT - Non-repair buletin.pdf

 

[smashingguy]

Is the new £785 garrett turbo from BNT inclusive of vat?

 

[Redemption]

Is the new £785 garrett turbo from BNT inclusive of vat?

Best to check with them directly for confirmation but I'd imagine that price would be without VAT.

 

[smashingguy]

I just called BNT but they said they would only supply to trade. I asked if the price on their website was the same price I would pay if I bought it from a supplier, but the chap said he didn't know?

 

[Redemption]

Ok. Bit of a pain. Try these instead:-

http://www.turbodynamics.co.uk/shop...ocharger-for-vw-golf-20tdi-140bhp-p-4126.html

Give them a call to confirm that's the correct unit though.

 

[smashingguy]

Thanks Redemption, I called them and they have to wait for the unit to come out to double check the numbers. It seems a good price and the guy at turbodynamics confirmed that they are original garrett turbos. They give a 12 month warranty but BNT give a 24 month warranty (although BNT are dearer).

 

[Redemption]

Hopefully that'll be the correct turbo as the part number is the same apart from the last letter (not sure what that denotes). Good price although a shorter warranty but at least you're secure in the knowledge that it's brand new.

 

[Buzz123]

New every time. I had this issue with my old seat leon 1.9tdi and the blades were bent like it had sucked something in. So in end I boughta brand new garrett turbo
I miss my diesel

 

[CupraR1]

Sorry am I missing something here? All turbo’s whistle, you fit a new one and the mechanic makes a killing from what you pay him and selling your old one! And you new one will whistle. Try turning the radio up…..cost nothing lol

 

[smashingguy]

My radio isn't powerful enough to sound out the whistle, it really is so loud (like a police siren). I have had some rubbish mechanics in the past and I have to trust someone to fix it. I will ask for the old turbo if it's faulty. I am still hoping that it is a leak in the boost pipe, but whatever it is I can't put up with it any longer.

Not sure if it is relevant but when I put my foot down, it feels as though the car is an auto in that the car feels like it is changing gear (only when I put my foot down and the turbo is making its usual loud whilstle/siren noise). I should mention that it's a manual and I am not actually changing gear?

 

[milsom]

My turbo whistles loud at low RPM... Sounds like police siren!! Cars an FR TDi at 41,000 miles. Hope mines ok!!... It's done since I've had it.

 

[greyfloppyhat]

Turbos just sometimes whistle, accept it. It's particularly loud you probably have a leak some where. The joint between the boost pipe and ic is renowned for having a bad seal, hence why it pops off.

Get the mechanic to take in the inlet pipe off the turbo and check the shaft for play. If there's no play then exam all linked pipes and the manifold for cracks or splits. Also wouldn't hurt checking the exhaust system.

Don't go throwing away money on something that fine, if the house annoys you that much spent £100 and get some dynomat for the interior

 

[bigben143]

Sorry to jump on this thread but turbos don't just whistle they will make a little spoil up noise very fant!!......If you can here your turbo whistle on boost then its the thrust bearing inside the turbo worn!......So when its on boost the compressor wheel is touching the comp cover what makes the ghost noise....People don't realise if they get there turbo reconditioned before they break..... it works out alot cheaper ie if your car has done 100k your on borrowed time..take the turbo off and get new bearings and seals put in for £240 all in instead of paying for new!

As for the VNT the reason they fail is due to carbon build up all they need is to be cleaned and they work fine after.