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Performance issues VP TAMD 61A - turbos?

J

jms28

New member
Hi,

I own a 1990 Cranchi Mediterranee 40 with 2 x VP TAMD 61A engines and have performance issues, which I suspect to come from the turbo(s).

Siutation:
  1. Starboard engine wont go above 2000rpms and turbo pressure appears too low
  2. Portside going up to approx. 2200-2400rpms but ofc slowed down by starboard side
  3. Hence, I can only go at about 2000rpms and 10-15kts max.
History:
  1. In 2019, I replaced both turbos with brand new BorgWarners as the old ones were badly corroded and constantly stuck after nearly 30 years of use
  2. First year the performance was good but current issues persists more or less since 2021 (boat used seasonally during the summer only)
  3. I was battling a bad diesel bug infection in the meantime, which was resolved this year by removing and cleaning tanks, as well as replacing filters
  4. While engines now run reliably at least, performance is still lacking and issue has not been resolved by fixing the diesel bug infection (deceived us into thinking this might be the main issue)
  5. Last year and at beginning of this season, I realized that both turbos were stuck again and also showed signs of corrosion, soot and salt buildup
  6. Last year and this year we cleaned them manually so that the turbines turn again at least
Why I believe the turbos are the source of the problem?
  1. Yesterday I took a test ride with a local mechanic
  2. He checked the line to the fuel pump and established low boost pressure
  3. He then connected a compressor manually to the fuel pump to see if there would be a boost - and there was!
  4. He concluded that the issue is somehwere between turbos and intercooler on the way to the fuel pump
  5. Also worth noting: fuel pumps were serviced a few years ago and brand new K&N open air filters fitted this summer
Main conclusions & questions:
  1. The mechanic suggested to remove the starboard turbo and to bring to a local specialist for testing and taking measurements. Fair enough.
  2. But the main elephant in the room for me: how come the turbos potentially need servicing after such a short time of use? Fitted 2019, no usage until 2021 (Corona) which is when the issue appeared for the first time and persists until this day. And how come there's so much corrosion, soot and salt buildup?
  3. I read about the flawed elbow pipe of the VP TAMD 61A, which is build horizontally to the turbo and w/o any decline. Is that the source of my problem? Do I need to modify them in any way to protect the turbos going forward? Keen to get this sorted BEFORE I service the turbos, just to have the same issue next year again
Hope the above makes sense. Any input would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Mike
 
Without seeing what is where, its hard to say....many a turbo (and engine) have become victims of bad exhaust system design/installation. You may want to contact Tony at seaboard marine (S CA) - they really know their stuff.

You are spot on in that there is an issue and it needs to be resolved to eliminate the insanity....
 
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