Other than shaft play, is there a way to tell if a turbo is worn out without actually running it. This will help in the purchase of used turbos. Any insights on what to look for would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

is there any dried or even worse wet oil in the snail?

 

Just look for oil in the compressor housing, if someone has already cleaned it up, take the wastegate actuator line off and look for oil in their. look at the exhaust turbine and see if you can see any oil sepage. Mainly axis (in and out) shaft play is what to look for.

Its tough buying used turbos, some good, some bad

Jeff

 

just buy a rebuild one. Or better yet a new one. So you dont have to worry.

 

You should find one that spins freely, does not rub on the housing, and does not have cracks. It shuld have a minimum of play (side to side) and no play (in and out). You should always rebuild the turbo before installing it. A complete rebuild kit, which includes new bolts, bearings, seals and clamps, can be obtained from turbonetics.com for less then $100.

 

do you need to balance a turbo after you rebuild it? or no since your just replacing seals and bolts

 

You do not need to rebalance the turbo since you are not replacing any spinning parts. Only the turbine wheel/shaft is balanced.

 

other than what has already been mentioned there isnt much that can be done without having it on a car/ apart


when buying one from a scrappy, check the car you take it off.. mileage, oil in sump, service history (usually left in glove box.. if its stamped up you can be assured of regular oil changes)