dangers of driving with a smokey turbo?

**ecl** · 04-12-08, 17:58

may this cause trouble for the engine or any other part of the car. What can happen to a old turbo? mine has done 244 400 km, and it's smoking a bit.. at least i think it's the turbo, the car runs just fine and goes like a bullet

I've got a turbo from a old thema turbo to replace it, but it might be of a early car, which means it's smaller somewhere and can't handle much more boost?! what's your take on this??
Any suggestions on what to do?

Run with the smokey one until it completely gives up?
Put in the thema turbo
Or get another t3 og preferable t3/4

And if i look for a t3/4 turbo what should i be looking for? is it bolt on? i don't have cash for a new or specially made manifold.

All help is good help....or not

Thanks in advance guys

Eivind - sideways season has just begun

**Juan AR155Q4** · 04-12-08, 18:38

You could have problems with your CAT (I don?t think you matter) and your lambda probe will sure last less.

I have the original turbo with a T4 compressor fitted, is a cheap choice.

**mindus** · 04-12-08, 19:00

Check if it is the turbo first (take the hose coming out of compressor side and check if it is really oily or not) and if you feel the play along the shaft.

From your 3 options, I would choose either Thema turbo or a new one..
And I would not recommend to drive a smokey one:
1) you will ruin lambda
2) if you still have a functioning catalyst, it will soon stop working. in a long run you should choke it (and turbo will not be able to make any boost)
3) in a long run valves will get sediments (or whatever it is in english

and afterwords you will lose power
4) if oil consumption is huge, the life of spark plugs is quite short (you have to clean them up quite offten or replace)

What turbo to choose - what do you want? if a standard boost is ok, I would repare/renew the current one at the specialist (which has OEM seals for repair kits, can measue the shaft precisely (if it is not worn out and is still repairable) and balance the hole setup properly).

Cheers,
M.

edit: juan already covered 2 first points