406 HDI 90 Engine Performance. A/C problem as wel

[lodgey47]

Hi

I hope someone can answer a few questions for me. I have just bough a 1999 406 HDI 90 estate. Great car but I'm a bit disappointed with the performance. It doesn't seem to accelerate very well and generally feels a bit gutless. I had a 405 1.9 TD a few years ago which went really well and I hoped the 406 would at least be as good. Does this mean I have a problem with the new car or is this how the later diesel engines are? This is a totally stupid question but does the HDI have a turbo? I ask because it doesn't have that sudden 'urge' the 405 had when the turbo kicked in!
The other question I have is about the aircon. I can't move the temperature dial on the dash into the blue (cold) area on the scale. Is there a technique to do this?? I have tried pulling/pushing the dial but to no avail? Also I would expect a 'click' from the aircon compressor switch when the aircon button is pressed but I don't. Is this normal or do I have a problem?
Thanks

[504gld]

The HDi does have a turbo. The HDI90 as in its name developes 90bhp where as the old XUD turbo unit in the 405 made 92. The 405 was a lighter car too, so the extra weight in the 406 and a bit less power combined with emmisson control systems imposed by the EU means yes its a bit gut less.

Cant help on the a/c sorry.

[lodgey47]

Thanks for the info. I am now concerned that maybe the turbo isn't working correctly. I don't get that surge of power when I put my foot down like I did in the 405 TD and I can't here the turbo wizz when it kicks in. Shouldn't I get both of these? Is there someway I can confirm that the turbo is OK? Thanks

[504gld]

I have never heard the turbo when driving my dad HDi90 Partner, it drives like a petrol. You can book you car in to any diesel injection specalist for a check up. Main dealers are maybe not the place to go as they normally dont find anything wrong! Look for a Bosch centre as the Bosch common rail system is in use on the HDi.

[Piston Broke]

The HDi is a funny beast. Mines really quick off the line thanks to it's low crawler first gear, is gutless at middle speeds and then lopes along very nicely at 60+ due to it's tall gearing.

I owned a 405 GRDt for 303,000 miles and although it was lighter, it's actually not any quicker. It just feels brisk compraed to the HDi as the XUD had quite a pronounced powerband whereas the XUD has a very linear power delivery. Despite the extra lard my HDi does nearly 10 MPG better than the 405, which is the main point in choosing a diesel.

There isn't much in the way of emission controls on an HDi 90 406. The EGR can easily be disconnected (or blanked off) which won't help power but improves economy a touch. The CAT can be removed and the improvement is pleasing, though it's a DIY welding job as no one makes a 406 de cat system. MOT is not affected by either mod.