It’s understandable that you're confused by the differing opinions from garages and forum members about the turbo, injectors, and diesel particulate filter (DPF) on your Land Rover. Here's a breakdown of these components and potential issues based on common automotive knowledge:
1. Turbocharger
- High Mileage Wear: Turbochargers are subjected to extreme heat and pressure, so over time, they can wear out, especially with low oil levels or the wrong oil type. Oil is crucial for lubricating and cooling the turbo’s bearings. If incorrect oil was used or the engine ran low on oil, this could accelerate turbo wear. At 127,000 km, replacing the turbo is a precaution some mechanics might take, especially given the oil-related issues in your case.
- Testing First: Since the turbo hasn’t outright failed yet, testing for boost pressure and signs of excessive oil in the turbo housing is a reasonable approach. Replacing it based solely on mileage isn't always necessary unless there are signs of wear or oil issues.
2. Injectors
- Can Degraded Injectors Damage the Engine? Yes, injectors can cause engine damage if they aren’t functioning correctly. Worn or clogged injectors can lead to improper fuel delivery, which could cause engine misfires, inefficient combustion, or excess fuel entering the exhaust system. This can create additional strain on components like the catalytic converter or DPF, and in extreme cases, damage pistons or valves.
- Mileage and Injector Life: Diesel injectors generally last a long time, but around 100,000-150,000 km is when they might start wearing down. That said, there’s no set rule for automatic replacement at a particular mileage. Many injectors can last much longer if fuel quality has been good and they haven’t been under excessive stress.
- Testing: It makes sense to test the injectors' spray pattern and flow rates. If they’re functioning well, replacing them preemptively might not be necessary.
3. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Oil consumption can affect the DPF, as oil particles can clog it if they pass through the exhaust system. This might lead to excessive soot buildup, requiring cleaning or replacement.
- DPF Maintenance: At 127,000 km, a DPF may need cleaning, but replacing it depends on its current condition. If it has been subjected to frequent short trips, clogged regenerations, or excess oil/smoke, it could be degraded. However, if the vehicle has been driven at highway speeds and the DPF has had a chance to regenerate properly, it may still be in good condition.
Differing Opinions: What's Going On?
The mechanics are focusing on different aspects:
- MDRS Automotive emphasizes turbo replacement due to mileage but doesn’t expect issues with injectors or DPF.
- Bullevard suggests replacing injectors, as degraded injectors could damage the engine, but says they will test the turbo and DPF.
- Romijn Den Haag suggests turbo replacement due to oil issues and attention to the DPF due to excessive oil consumption, but no injector replacement.
The different opinions likely come from each mechanic emphasizing what they think is
most at risk based on their expertise and the known oil problem.
General Advice
- Turbo: Given the oil issues and mileage, replacing the turbo may be worth considering, but testing it first is a smart move.
- Injectors: If they’re not showing signs of degradation or poor spray patterns, replacing them preemptively may not be necessary, but testing them would be wise. If they are degrading, they could cause engine problems.
- DPF: Due to the oil consumption, cleaning or replacing the DPF might be necessary. Testing the DPF's soot levels and regeneration ability should be done before deciding.
Conclusion:
Testing components (turbo, injectors, DPF) before replacing is the most balanced approach. Only replace parts that show signs of wear or malfunction.
Given your vehicle’s mileage and the oil issues, replacing the turbo might be wise, but injectors and DPF should be addressed based on actual condition, not solely on mileage.
This approach allows you to avoid unnecessary expenses while still addressing potential risks due to oil and wear issues.
