help on judging a turbo's condition
 

I was looking to buy a turbo from someone and they said this concerning the condition of the turbo... "i have found that it may have a bad rear oil seal. Im not sure if assebly lube was put on the exhaust turbine to prevent rust as im no turbo expert but there is a very light film on it." He says that there is no shaft play and there is still assemby lube on it (though he doesn't know if it has been recently rebuilt or not). What do you guys think, is that rear seal most likely bad? Does it really even matter (obviously it matters if the seal is broken, but is this just a couple dollar repair that anyone can do)?

thanks for any help

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

what trubo is this.....some are easier to rebuild than others

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

if its real cheap, you can just buy it and get a rebuild.

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

it's a big t3 off a 1st gen 300zx

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

and I was told rebuilding a turbo is difficult/expensive because it would have the be balanced. If it's as easy as buying a few cheap parts then maybe that is what I will do.

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

Do the rebuild yourself and then just take it to be balanced, if you are good at taking things apart and then putting them back together (the right way)go for it, just be careful and take your time.

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

well thanks, but I still want to know about this turbo... think it's ok?

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

bump cause i kinda need to know

Re:help on judging a turbo's condition
 

hey i am far from an expert but i think i have the same type of turbo. i got it off ebay in a "kit."
anyway, if the price is real cheap, i would go a head and take a chance on it.
can you examine the turbo yourself prior to purchase?
the one i got is definitely used, but it doesn't have any shaft play and i got a decent price, so i went for it. we'll see if it's any good once i get it installed.
worst case, you can rebuild it and then it's basically good as new. i would go with your gut feeling if you can't get some better advice off HMT guys who actually know their ----.