Keeping your motorhome turbo healthy
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During a pre-tour check of my 2001 Ducato-based Bessacarr, I discovered a worrying crack on one of the main air intake pipes.
This pipe is the large flexible link between the engine and the air filter box mounted on the chassis – as the engine moves, it flexes. The concern is that the crack develops and some unfiltered air is drawn in, or breaks off completely so that no air is drawn through the air filter.If dirt and debris are drawn into the engine and particularly the turbocharger, there could be damage or accelerated wear.
Renewing it is simple, requiring a replacement hose, new worm-drive clips and a suitable tool to loosen and tighten the clips. This may be a screwdriver, proprietary sprung-shaft worm-drive clip driver or small socket with extension bar and a small ratchet handle, dependant on the type fitted.
The greater issue is the point of connection to the turbocharger, on the back of the engine. Access is only possible from underneath. I am quite small and my motorhome has higher ground clearance. However, if you need to raise the vehicle, ensure that the weight is secure on axle stands before crawling underneath.
Work is not carried out near any electrical connections, but just to be sure, take off the positive terminal of the engine battery before starting.
Reassembly is a complete reversal of removal, ensuring that the worm-drive clips are tight. However, there is a protruding lug on the bellhousing casting that can rub this hose – by careful positioning of the hose (twisting radially at the connection points), limited clearance can be gained over this lug to avoid future chafing.
This piece is an extract from a longer article in June 2014 MMM magazine - to purchase your copy, click here.
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