What turbocharger have I got?

[TFG]

What's the easiest way of finding out the make and model of turbo that's fitted to my Alhambra? It's a 57 plate and from what I'm reading it could be either a Garrett or a KKK. I had a quick look this afternoon, but couldn't get even the faintest glimpse of it. Access looks a real pig! I haven't got a ramp so looking from underneath is out, for now at least.

Would any of the VCDS blocks tell me?

[barlidge]

VCDS wont tell you and it is a a bit a challenge but if you look at my regarding hunting issues I'm sure I posted a pic of my part number - it might give you an idea of where to look.

https://www.fordmpv.com/smf2/ford-galaxy-vw-sharan-seat-alhambra/sharan-140-se-hunting-on-acceleration-other-issues/msg32639/#msg32639

Edit:  I found on the iPhone that the front facing camera focused better at close range.

[TFG]

Thanks. What's the best angle of attack to get a view - around the LH or RH end of the engine block, as you're standing in front of the car? I was prodding around with an inspection mirror on a telescopic stick but couldn't get a view of anything that looked even vaguely turbo-like. Think I'll dig out the cheapo borescope I've got and have a go with that. Your phone shot looks to be quite an acheivement!

[barlidge]

Not sure you will manage it from above, I did it from underneath with the car on standard ramps, I recall twisting in all sorts of different directions to get in there and I think I had a torch as a backlight.  You will probably have to wipe the plate clean first as well.  Your borescope might well be a better bet if it will focus.

[TFG]

I've not had a chance to get the car up on my standard ramps yet, but in a spare few minutes today I had a go at finding it with my borescope and/or old mobile phone camera. You're right - getting in from above is a non-starter. Best view I got was by laying on the ground by the offside sill and looking up into the engine bay from immediately behind the front wheel. With a torch, I could see the actuator and a glimpse of the inlet-side scroll - enough to tell me that it's a Borg Warner BV39 turbo.

[SirDavidAlhambra]

My friend Steve reckons he can tell the make of turbo just by listening to it. Not sure if that is BS but I do know he once spent an astonishing amount of time trying to fix his sticky vanes and heââ,¬â,,¢s the sort of man who lets no little detail go unmissed