Audi A3 2004 - Loss of power in high gears (help please!)

[MrMarvelous]

I'm assuming the turbo on my A3 TDI is clogged up to the hilt with soot or about do kick the bucket. Started happening a few days ago whilst travelling on the dual carriageway/motorway. Basically as soon as I reach 75+ MPH the power just goes. I think it's also to do with higher RPM but i'm not sure.

Before taking it to the garage i'd like to have a go at cleaning it but I can't for the life of me find a way to get to the turbo. I've scoured the internet high and low and can't find any tutorial pictures or videos so any help here would be greatly appreciated.

I've had a look at this video and want to give the following a try:

 

[MrMarvelous]

A quick google reveals it is apparently a thing, however can't say I'd be too comfortable taking a caustic chemical to any delicate engineering (indeed there seem to be a few horror stories mixed in with the "success" stories).

If you want to try and DIY it before taking to a garage, I'd be looking at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forte-Diesel-Turbo-Cleaner-400ml/dp/B009E5UJM6

or the twin pack with diesel treatment:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forte-Advanced-Diesel-Treatment-Cleaner/dp/B00EN00NZA

Which seems to be one of the better recommended Diesel cleaners, when used in conjunction with a good "italian tune up"

Trying to look for the above to buy from me locally (Derbyshire) and can't find any stockists. Is the only way to buy the Forte stuff online? Looks like even a few of the Halfords around me don't stock it.

It could well be your fuel filter.

Had the same thing happen in my A4 2.0TDI...changed the fuel filter and worked fine.

The fuel filter hadn't been changed in ages and when it came out it was black...I was told at the higher revs it would be starving the engine and sapping power.

Will give this a shot. Anywhere where I can find it to pick up? Again, Halfords don't seem to have it.

Thanks for the help also guys.

 

[MrMarvelous]

I've ordered the Forte cleaner, can anyone point me in the right direction for a fuel filter? Ideally one that I could go and pick up today?

 

[MrMarvelous]

I get the fuel filters for my A3 from ECP.

Think they're less than a tenner, so get changed every year anyway.

I've just had a look and there's 3 different ones, any idea which one I need? They're also doing a 35% discount on their site at the moment so i'll order online.

 

[MrMarvelous]

Yeah that's what i've done. Will pop into my local one tomorrow just to double-check and then i'll order it online. Hopefully it is just the fuel filter as looking around for replacement turbo's seems pricey.