Play in the turbo - what to do?

**AlfaJack** · 28-05-12, 12:26

How much play is acceptable in a turbo before it needs changing?
When I had the manifold off recently I noticed that there is some play in the shaft and it worried me a bit. I would say it was about half a millimetre.

And then, the big question.....how much in anyone's experience is a recondition?

I don't really want to make it a complex path and get a new one which needs adaptor plates etc. I am quite happy with the power I have currently have but if there is an easy upgrade of changing the internals to something more efficient or robust then I am all for it.

Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Jack

**Finn** · 28-05-12, 19:05

I have an original T3 turbo from an engine that has covered 65000 miles and it has no play whatsoever. So I would imagine some play is not favorable. And yours sounds like plenty. Then again my opinion and experience from turbos is based on this one example. I would think that a plain bearing for a known turbo must have the allowed play somewhere spec'd that you can measure. Refurb for a turbo here in Finland costs around €400.

**wrinx** · 28-05-12, 19:25

From memory, some back and forth...err, in and out play (I can't make it sound non-sexual!) is acceptable as there needs to be room for the oil, but side to side (as you look at the wheel) isn't and signifies worn bearings.

I wouldn't worry until it starts blowing smoke...

wrinx

**Varypodaros** · 29-05-12, 10:33

WHS^

and if it fail, it's time for T35.

**AlfaJack** · 11-06-12, 09:12

I think things got a little worse yesterday...Had a lot of smoke from the engine bay and oil has blown out of somewhere. I don't think it was coming from the exhaust. I am told it was very stinky when in convoy with other 155s yesterday (is this a sign??)

I can see oil over the battery and I think it has come from the straight metal boost inlet pipe - you can see where it has forced its way past the joint.

I was booting it on the M1 and there was a lot of smoke out the back but it came mainly from inside the engine bay. To add to the confusion I found that the bolt that holds the dip stick down has gone missing so oil could have been coming from there.

Never a simple answer but I should get gathering my pennies for some replacement parts.
In combinated of this I also need to know why since putting it back together as I found it a few weeks ago there is only 0.7 boost available. I didn't touch the manual boost controller setting (unless I put the pipes back on the wrong way round as I think this would cause said problem)..

Does anyone know the Garrett (owned by Honeywell?!) part number of the standard turbo?

Thanks,
Jack

**Steve Webb** · 11-06-12, 11:23

That sounds a little strange to me Jack.

If the bearings and/or seals were going I would expect a lot of smoke out of the exhaust. When the seals went on my old turbo, it laid a smoke screen a WWII destroyer would have been proud of.

Smoke under the bonnet suggests a leak somewhere else that is leaking onto the exhaust manifold or something else hot.

Did your oil level drop much during the day.

**AlfaJack** · 11-06-12, 11:43

Originally Posted by Steve Webb

That sounds a little strange to me Jack.

If the bearings and/or seals were going I would expect a lot of smoke out of the exhaust. When the seals went on my old turbo, it laid a smoke screen a WWII destroyer would have been proud of.

Smoke under the bonnet suggests a leak somewhere else that is leaking onto the exhaust manifold or something else hot.

Did your oil level drop much during the day.

I know the engine smokes on power - I have seen it a couple of times. I don't think it was out of the exhaust - it could have been both!!

More testing required - this time at least i won't be too far from home.

Think I will take it up the M20 soon...

**Brul(tm)** · 11-06-12, 13:26

Cheap for leakages!
I had a leak somewhere and oil drips on the exhaust... SMOKE!

I guess everyone has a different experience when their turbo's seized

**Finn** · 11-06-12, 14:27

Check the oil breather hoses. Mine was leaking and it stank. Smoke from engine bay sounds strange though. Oil gets into the inlet side somewhere it shouldn't. Check the plugs if they're oily. Have you removed the EGR-system? Check the compression also. If it's low, I'd suggest you have worn exhaust valve guides.

**AlfaJack** · 11-06-12, 14:29

Thanks guys. I will be giving it a good look over soon.

Quotes for a turbo recon vary from £200 to £500 at the moment. That is with a better compressor wheel and 360 degree thrust bearing.

**Integrale** · 11-06-12, 16:53

Originally Posted by AlfaJack

Thanks guys. I will be giving it a good look over soon.

Quotes for a turbo recon vary from £200 to £500 at the moment. That is with a better compressor wheel and 360 degree thrust bearing.

Walker have som nice upgrade turbo's that is bolt on

**Steve Webb** · 11-06-12, 17:13

Jack, driving at the weekend?

**AlfaJack** · 11-06-12, 17:14

Nice but at a price I won't pay. I am not seeking huge power just something efficient and reliable.

**AlfaJack** · 11-06-12, 17:15

Originally Posted by Steve Webb

Jack, driving at the weekend?

Nothing like making a scene

**Finn** · 15-08-12, 07:51

Last friday I brought my T03 (stock) to a specialist for a check up. He told me that the endplay (back and forth) is critical to the engine oil pressure and should only be just noticeable with feel (0,05mm clearance). On the other hand side to side movement can feel quite big but that isn't as critical. He quoted a 0,1mm clearance. My turbo didn't need anything so good news.