Turbo or just a vacuum leak?

[Bflynnuk]

My 2.7 CRDs turbo stopped working on a long uphill motorway section. Jeep still runs but fuel consumption up from 32mpg to 22mpg and no power above 75-80 mph so if the person you're overtaking speeds up a bit you're stuffed. So, is it the turbo, is it a leak or is it something else? I've attached a nice video of the sound and the turbo actuator. Oh no I haven't cos you can't attach a video, that's a shame. OK, makes a noise if you rev and let go and actuator moves a bit. Both intercooler hoses were seeping an oil film but they've always done that for 30k miles since I've had the jeep. Taped them up with waterproof tape but didn't make any difference. They both need replacing but I'm reluctant to replace them without knowing it's them. I couldn't find any other nicks or holes in them or are they just finally gone and that's it. Any help gladly received. Thanks. 7 turbo, power loss

[JeanLuke]

Umm, 80mph and you're talking about overtaking?!

First thing you should do is get an OBD tool or app and monitor turbo boost. That function is available through the likes of Torque Pro. It will at least give you some insights.

With the noise & increased fuel consumption, I'd lay money on an air leak between the turbo and the engine. Other possibility is the EGR valve has stuck open, or the swirl vanes closed.

Any error codes?
Black smoke? (Not that you'd see it at 80mph!)

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[Bflynnuk]

Thanks for that. Yes, 85 was a nice motorway cruising speed so you get where you're going in good time.

I did buy a couple of decent Obd2 tools but they didn't want to connect to a 2004 vehicle as the ones that should have worked only went back 15 years so clearing codes was about their limit which was funny cos they couldn't read any of the codes. Drbiii is out of the question as that would be more than the Jeep is worth.
No black smoke.
The other funny thing that happens is that it trips the check engine light after about 60-90 mins of motorway driving. When you get where you're going and it cools down that will go off but it'll come back on after 60-90 mins again so I guess that's some kind of heat issue somewhere.
It shows a 235 and 243 which is turbo actuator solenoid and wastegate actuator solenoid. I tested resistance on the wastegate solenoid and that seems OK, power to the wastegate solenoid shows as around 6v but I couldn't check if volts increased with revs. The instructions for the turbo solenoid say fix the wastegate issue first.
I haven't replaced the wastegate solenoid.
Haven't looked at EGR so will have a look at that nexr.
I'm waiting to order a vacuum tester but cos it's Xmas and new year (happy new year!) everyone's on holiday and ebay won't let you order if they've said they're away.
Overall I'm still erring (hoping) on the vacuum leak somewhere cos I'm thinking that would cause the wastegate issue which in turn would cause the turbo actuator issue which in turn means no turbo. I'll persevere after the next couple of days. If I don't get anywhere I'm thinking a mobile MB mechanic diagnosis might be worth a go as really it's just a MB 2.7 diesel after all. Will update you.

[JeanLuke]

A few things...

You can access most of the DRB-111 functions with the WJdiag Pro app (android only) and a quality ELM327 adaptor (not a Chinese clone). You can then monitor boost setpoint Vs measured boost, as well as fuel pressure etc.

The vacuum solenoid on the EGR valve and the turbo control are identical. Swap them and see if the errors follow the solenoid, that is, become EGR errors. If so, then it's the solenoid at fault.

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[JeanLuke]

BTW... Where are you? The 2.7CRD was not sold in USA. Are you in Canada?

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[bodgie]

Originally Posted by JeanLuke

BTW... Where are you? The 2.7CRD was not sold in USA. Are you in Canada?

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I'd expect UK given the use of the word motorway and MPH.

[Bflynnuk]

That's really helpful, thanks very much. I did try some cheap ELMs but they wouldn't connect so I couldn't use WJDiag. Yes I'm in the UK and the number of Jeep garages are few and far between and limited capabilities so yes I've managed to learn and fix most of the random things that happen so far. I can't look at it again until next weekend so I'll try swapping the actuators as you suggest. As all Jeep owners know, it can be a very random vehicle but I still love it. Thanks for your posts.