no power 1.8 20v turbo

[paulueah]

Hi all

Just a couple of weeks ago I got a 2002 1.8 20v turbo. Is generally a nice car. Few niggly bits need doing. Has been converted to LPG so very cheap to fill up.

Now the problem is it is very underpowered. There is no kick in of any power that I expected from being a turbo. It struggles up hill and takes an absolute age to reach 60mph. There is no warning lights on the dash and it runs smooth. My guess is the turbo is not working? It is going in for a diagnostics at end of the month to try find out for sure.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am very new to VAG. First one from the group. I have been getting quotes for turbos in case it is this that has failed. Cheapest so far for a new turbo is £540 delivered with 3 year warranty. Does that sound reasonable?

Many thanks

Paul

 

[90landrover]

Hi. I had a 20 vt for 8 years and found it to be a good car with plenty of power (not sports car power after all you are pulling a large 7 seater around). If you take the air filter box top off press throttle and release quickly you should hear the excess air dump into the airbox - if you do not hear this then probably turbo not working or it has gone into limp mode.
Never had a problem with the turbo on that car but my TDi has killed it's turbo.

 

[paulueah]

Should any lights come on in the dash if its gone into limp mode? There are no lights on. I cant hear the excess air in the airbox.

 

[90landrover]

I do not think that any lights would come on on the dash board. It is possible that you could have a air leak in one of the turbo pipes or the intercooler which would not allow the engine to have full turbo pressure. Might be worth taking the undertray off and having a look at the rubber pipes from turbo to intercooler.

 

[paulueah]

I wouldn't have a clue what I am looking for. I really need to buy a Haines manual so at least I can see some pictures of what I am to look for. Much appreciate the guidance