A blown or clogged turbo is a common problem on older diesel cars. This affects cars where the driver does short trips, or runs the diesel with low fuel, which sometimes restricts the EGR tech; basically it fails to clean out the sooty oily clag on a high speed, longer drive.
In extreme cases it can mean scrapping an older, low value vehicle, especially after an emissions fail on the annual MoT, plus an estimate for the work which is time consuming in terms of dismantling and cleaning EGRs, turbo units and associated pipework etc. But there is another option.
Here’s the word and nope, IE is not on commission;
VN SYSTEMS LTD. has launched a new professional-grade turbo restoration system for the automotive aftermarket VN-1, developed to help vehicle owners and workshops address carbon-related variable geometry turbocharger restriction before progressing immediately to turbo removal or replacement.
Designed for professional workshops, automotive technicians and experienced vehicle owners, the compact, reusable VN-1 system combines specialist Power Foam, a secure sealed turbo connection and controlled low-pressure cycling to target stubborn carbon deposits directly within affected areas of the turbocharger.
The technology has been developed around a simple principle: effective turbo restoration requires more than introducing a cleaning chemical and allowing it to soak.
VN-1 repeatedly works the cleaning solution into the carbon.
A Different Approach to Turbo Cleaning
Carbon and soot accumulation around the variable geometry mechanism can restrict vane movement, potentially contributing to inconsistent boost, reduced performance and limp-mode conditions.
“VN-1 uses a purpose-designed bung or magnetic metal sealing plate secured directly into position to create the controlled seal required for its cleaning process. Once sealed, specialist high-expansion VN-1 Power Foam is introduced using a carefully controlled sequence of approximately one-second applications followed by 20-second intervals.
The resulting pressure changes create microscopic pumping and agitation of the cleaning solution around the variable geometry mechanism. This repeated pulse, penetration, release and drainage process is designed to work the chemistry into small clearances and difficult-to-access areas, while helping overcome trapped air pockets that can limit effective chemical contact,” quotes Steve Lord (Lordy), Co-founder, Director & Chief Engineer, VN System.
The VN-1 process brings together three elements:
- Specialist Chemistry — laboratory-tested Power Foam formulated to tackle carbon deposits, soot, oils and residues.
- Prolonged Contact — high-expansion foam designed to maintain contact with contaminated internal turbo components.
- Controlled Cycling — repeated pressure changes that create microscopic pumping and agitation of the cleaning solution.
UK Engineering Innovation
VN-1 Power Foam has been developed in collaboration with a leading UK chemical manufacturer and specifically formulated and laboratory tested for the removal of carbon deposits, oils and residues found within critical turbocharger areas.
The VN-1 system has also undergone extensive vehicle testing and development at Formula Race Engines Ltd, including controlled dyno-based performance testing.
The complete VN-1 system for turbo enthusiasts costs £180 including VAT and UK delivery, with subsequent Power Foam replacement canisters costing £25.
Restore Before Replace
VN-1 is not positioned as an alternative to correct turbocharger diagnosis. Mechanical wear, bearing damage, actuator faults, lubrication issues and other mechanical or electronic failures may still require repair or replacement.
However, where carbon contamination and restricted variable geometry vane movement are identified as the underlying issue, VN-1 has been developed to give the aftermarket another intervention before progressing directly to turbocharger removal or replacement. This has potential benefits for workshops as well as customers: providing an additional service option while potentially reducing the cost and disruption associated with unnecessary component replacement.
Broad Aftermarket Applications
VN-1 has been developed for a broad range of compatible variable geometry turbocharger applications, including:
- Turbocharged passenger and performance vehicles
- Light commercial vehicles
- Motorhomes and recreational vehicles
Vehicle and turbocharger compatibility should be confirmed before treatment.
The compact VN-1 equipment has also been designed with workshop practicality in mind, avoiding the need for large dedicated cleaning machinery.
Increasing Focus on Vehicle Emissions
“The transition towards cleaner transport presents a significant opportunity for the automotive industry. While emissions standards continue to evolve, millions of petrol and diesel vehicles will remain an important part of the UK’s transport network for many years to come. Keeping those vehicles operating efficiently, reliably and with optimum performance is therefore more important than ever.
That is exactly where we see VN-1 making a difference. By helping address carbon restriction within the turbocharger and restore correct operation, we can give workshops and vehicle owners a practical way to maintain turbo performance, support engine efficiency and potentially extend the serviceable life of existing components.
For us, VN-1 is about smarter maintenance – restoring rather than unnecessarily replacing, improving performance where carbon restriction is the problem, and giving the automotive aftermarket an innovative new tool to help keep the UK’s existing vehicle fleet performing at its best,” says Graham Callow-Brebner, Co-founder & Director, VN System.
The VN-1 technology is Patent Pending, with elements of the system protected through Registered Design Rights. By combining specialist chemistry with a secure sealed connection and controlled pulse-pressure cleaning, VN-1 aims to establish a new category between conventional chemical turbo cleaning and turbocharger removal or replacement.
A Reusable Workshop System in Development
Beyond its cleaning technology, VN-1 has been designed to provide garages and turbo specialists with a reusable professional workshop solution, rather than requiring a new cleaning system for every treatment. A dedicated VN-1 Workshop Kit is currently in development, incorporating multiple bungs and specialised plate fixings to accommodate a broader range of compatible turbocharger applications. The professional kit is envisaged to retail at approximately £299.
Once equipped, workshops can retain the VN-1 hardware and use it across multiple compatible customer vehicles, replacing only the Power Foam required for each subsequent treatment. Multi-can trade packs of VN-1 Power Foam will also be available at discounted pricing, further improving the economics for garages carrying out regular turbo restoration treatments.
For independent garages, diesel specialists and turbocharger professionals, this creates an opportunity to introduce professional turbo restoration as an additional workshop service — particularly where diagnosis identifies carbon restriction rather than mechanical turbocharger failure.
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