Hi everyone, I’m dealing with a frustrating issue on my 2019 Ford Transit Custom (23-plate). The turbo is overspooling, and oil is coming from the crank breather pipe into the intake system. Here’s the story so far:
The original turbo failed and was replaced by Ford, but they didn’t change the oil or clean the system.
That replacement turbo failed within three weeks, and Ford refused to replace it.
I had a brand-new turbo fitted elsewhere, and the same overspooling issue is happening again. I took apart the intake pipes, and they had oil in them, which the mechanic claimed was cleaned before.
Oil level is slightly above max, but it’s hard to read on this model.
Steps Taken:
Checked all high-pressure hoses, intercooler, and turbo wastegate connections—no visible cracks or leaks.
Inspected the turbo oil drain pipe and oil feed pipe; both are clear, and the gauze filter isn’t blocked.
Disconnected the PCV breather hose from the turbo and ran it into a catch pot. The catch pot stayed dry, suggesting the base engine (piston rings, etc.) is fine.
Mechanic suggested replacing the PCV valve as it might be stuck open, allowing the turbo to pull oil through.
Additional Symptoms:
Cold starts in the morning result in no power until the engine warms up.
Intermittent power loss even when the engine is warm—possibly related to the EGR valve?
Questions:
Could a faulty PCV valve cause these symptoms, and where’s the best place to get a replacement?
Could the EGR valve be contributing to the power loss, and is it worth cleaning or replacing?
Has anyone else experienced similar turbo issues on a Transit Custom, and how did you resolve it?
The PCV valve could definitely be the culprit. If it’s stuck open, the turbo vacuum will suck oil through the breather. I’d recommend replacing it as a first step. You can get genuine Ford parts from Ford’s official shop.
For the cold start and power loss, the EGR valve is a likely suspect. If it’s stuck open, it’ll cause poor performance until it warms up. Cleaning it might work, but sometimes replacement is the only fix.
Make sure the oil level is exactly at the max mark. Overfilled oil can cause excessive crankcase pressure, leading to oil getting pulled into the intake system.
Ibrahim said:
Make sure the oil level is exactly at the max mark. Overfilled oil can cause excessive crankcase pressure, leading to oil getting pulled into the intake system.
Good point. Even a small overfill can mess with the breather system on these engines.
It might be worth double-checking the turbo actuator and solenoid connections. A faulty actuator could lead to overspooling, especially if it’s not controlling the wastegate properly.
If the PCV and EGR checks don’t solve it, it could still be a faulty turbo. Even new turbos can have issues. Make sure it’s a reputable brand and fully tested before installation.