Skoda Octavia 2005 2.0TDi BKD Engine Turbo Sticking Vanes (Mr Muscle Method)

Symptoms: car went into limp home mode when driving under load up hills.

The fault code reader showed P0234 - overboost condition. Looking on line this appeared to be a common problem with variable geometry turbos where the vanes stick. A popular solution is to use Mr Muscle oven cleaner to break down any deposits in the exhaust side of the turbo.

I found a few references to how to apply the technique to a BKD engine but no video. There are two possible paths into the turbo, via the manifold through the EGR port or via the turbo outlet where it connects to the catalytic converter.

Working from the top seemed preferable so this was the path that I chose. Access is tight but with the inlet air pipe, air filter, battery and battery tray removed it is possible to remove the ECR pipe.

The Mr Muscle can then be injected into the manifold using a pipe pushed down into the turbo. There are some pictures at the end of the video that show the layout of the parts.

A gloved hand can be used to feel for the end of the actuator. This can then be exercised for several seconds periodically over a period of a few hours.

Before reassembly the excess oven cleaner was wiped off. A short drive getting the engine up to temperature cleared out the remainder of the cleaner.

I have no idea what happens to the dislodged deposits, some will exit the tail pipe but others must clog the cat unless they burn up later.

Time will tell if this has been successful. If it is not then the turbo will have to be removed for a thorough inspection and repair.

[geoffsimpson]

Thank you so much for this! I had the same symptoms and had tried archoil and wynns in the tank but nothing was happening. I followed your method and referred to the diagrams / picture at the end of the video and the only trouble I had was with stubborn corroded battery tray bolts! Only driven a few hundred miles since the fix but it's 100% better (more responsive and no limp mode). Thanks again!

[jaggass]

My A3 has a BKD in it and has never suffered a cracked head, sticky vanes, rough running etc. It only went into limp mode once due to a vacuum leak which shut down the vanes. That was fun driving up hills. Mr Muscle works wonders. Ive cleaned out manifolds EGR''s with it.

[shbzta]

Hi, did you have an engine light show due to the overboosting problem? and did this fix get rid of the engine light

[vRSPagey]

Would this be easier to approach from below if you had a ramp? Also, do you have any training in car mechanics?

[macethevtace]

Has this solved your problem? I'm about to do the same on my BKD. Did you have a fault code for removing the battery come up?

[Britishfever]

Hi Kevin, how is it a year later? Did the cleaning last a year?

[montecarlo]

Is Mr Muscle better then Innotec Turbo Cleaner? Do your car has a DPF?