Major problem

[X5-D-Sport]

The play on the turbo isn't so much the issue.... I've had turbos that have 2+ mm of play & still run fine, as the lubricant centers the rotor...
the issue is the seals..
obviously, the more play, the greater potential for seal failure I guess.

Unburned diesel generally creates WHITE smoke.... this is an odd situation indeed..

have you checked the crank case breather to work out if it is the scary useless sponge filter or the desired centrifuge item... this is a MUST DO to change to the centrifuge version by default.

[exbonneville]

[quote="X5-D-Sport Salisbury"]

You tube - "diesel engine runaway"  ... it's painful to watch, but a worthy lesson to learn.

Grant B
[/quote]

I used to own a Defender TD5 and often heard horror stories of runaways. But when you say "a worthy lesson to learn" and speaking purely as an owner/driver, not a master mechanic, is there anything that can be done to avoid a runaway, other than I suppose regular survicing and proper maintenance?

Brian

[X5Sport]

I think you hit it in one,  regular maintenance and being 'sympathetic' with the turbo (warming up properly and cooling down before switch off - especially after a motorway run and stopping at services) will do it wonders.

Often the turbo problems are caused by cooked oil in the bearings from the engine being switched off whilst still very hot after a fast run.  Even a couple of minutes at lower speeds/rpm will help.

[henrym3]

Just to prove the point, admittedly non turbo 4.6l recently fitted electric fan to permanent live and on switching off it can be 3/4 minutes later that the fan will kick in at 99c. Just shows how much heat soak takes place after switch off

[Paultomo]

[quote="X5-D-Sport Salisbury"]

have you checked the crank case breather to work out if it is the scary useless sponge filter or the desired centrifuge item... this is a MUST DO to change to the centrifuge version by default.
[/quote]
I will definitely check this out when I get the car back today or tomorrow, I have had a look about and can't find a proper guide on how to check and where it is, do you know of one?

[Horizon]

[quote="Paultomo"]
[quote="X5-D-Sport Salisbury"]

have you checked the crank case breather to work out if it is the scary useless sponge filter or the desired centrifuge item... this is a MUST DO to change to the centrifuge version by default.
[/quote]
I will definitely check this out when I get the car back today or tomorrow, I have had a look about and can't find a proper guide on how to check and where it is, do you know of one?
[/quote]
This is what it looks like, remove plastic engine cover and you will see it towards the left rear of the engine. Remove the bolts and the top lifts off. If it's got the sponge bog roll inside it's the old type, if not it's the vortex newer type that's maintenance free and can't block

[Paultomo]

Brilliant thanks will deformation have a look at that

[dgm]

If it turns out you need the updated style of crankcase breather I've got one for sale on here.