Air pressure noise and loss of power
Discussion
Depends what's leaking. On our earlier Focus 1.6TDCI, the big rubber pipe coming up from the intercooler to the intake tends to split, often invisibly until you have a careful feel. Cheap replacements last less time than a proper Ford pipe, but also cost a lot less. If it is that in your case, given the similar engine, cost is £50 for a decent copy from a motor factor, less still if take something from Amazon/Ebay, and the inevitable scrazed knuckles. The oil mist from the turbo rots the rubber over time, so examine the pipe for oil 'sweating'.
As you can hear air whooshing its most likely a boost leak from the turbo.
Open the bonnet and look down you will see 2 large pipes these carry air from the turbo to and from the intercooler.

Check along the length of these pipes looking for splits or holes. It might be difficult to see so use a torch and a small mirror. They tend to split at either end - generally not in the middle - but of course check.
If you cant see anything then have a look at the smaller hose above these which takes air straight out of the turbo.

If there is no obvious damage here then you may need to look a bit deeper.
Photos would help.
Open the bonnet and look down you will see 2 large pipes these carry air from the turbo to and from the intercooler.
Check along the length of these pipes looking for splits or holes. It might be difficult to see so use a torch and a small mirror. They tend to split at either end - generally not in the middle - but of course check.
If you cant see anything then have a look at the smaller hose above these which takes air straight out of the turbo.
If there is no obvious damage here then you may need to look a bit deeper.
Photos would help.
It could also be an injector leak, which the DV6 is notorious for. The sealing ring around the injector tip to the combustion chamber fails, allowing cylinder gases past. If left unchecked, the gases can cause a carbon buildup, welding the injector to the head...would be unusual for this to cause a loss of power unless it's a massive leak though. An injector leak is however hazardous to health, as noxious gases can enter the cabin.
I'd be betting on a boost pipe leak somewhere though from your initial description. That may need a smoke test to find if it's a small split that only opens under pressure.
I'd be betting on a boost pipe leak somewhere though from your initial description. That may need a smoke test to find if it's a small split that only opens under pressure.
This is something which would reveal itself very quickly if using a diagnostic computer. If a code hadn't been set, or didn't nail things down, then live data on a drive (ie putting the engine under load) would show a boost leak clearly. There is a danger a smoke test would confuse rather than clarify the situation, if it were only a very slight leak or if it only revealed itself under pressure. It would still be worth doing, as would a thorough visual inspection - but you'd need to know what you're looking for.
paul_c123 said:
This is something which would reveal itself very quickly if using a diagnostic computer. If a code hadn't been set, or didn't nail things down, then live data on a drive (ie putting the engine under load) would show a boost leak clearly. There is a danger a smoke test would confuse rather than clarify the situation, if it were only a very slight leak or if it only revealed itself under pressure. It would still be worth doing, as would a thorough visual inspection - but you'd need to know what you're looking for.
Thank youGassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff


