Turbocharger Failing? Rebuild or Replace?
06-02-07, 10:53 PM
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Turbocharger Failing? Rebuild or Replace?
It looks after many happy years together my '88 TII is giving me a bit of trouble. After boosting I get a puff of white smoke out the tail pipe. I'm thinking turbo oil seal. Would a rebuild be better or buy a new aftermarket turbo? The fuel management is stock and I am not planning on upgrading it. Performance is adequate with stock turbo. Rebuild or replace? I searched but could not come up with a satisfactory answer. Any fitment problems with an aftermarket turbo? I wil be doing this myself so I am looking for a direct bolt on W/O modifications. Thanks.
06-03-07, 10:14 AM
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Pull the downpipe and TID and then check for oil in the turbine or compressor. Often in the compressor you will see a little oil, but the turbine should be dry. Oil being burned in the turbine will leave a thick black deposit.
06-03-07, 10:24 AM
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My S4 turbo leaked oil, burnt it, and blew smoke like crazy... I bought a S5 turbo and manifold off of a forum member (who I will not name) that did the same ******* thing. It pisses me off. I now need a turbo rebuild or an aftermarket turbo. I contacted BNR and got no reply whatsoever. I don't mean to "jack" this thread at all... but I am in the same boat. If you like the stock turbo, get another stock turbo... but make sure it works or is rebuilt or remanufactured.
06-03-07, 02:35 PM
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If you arent going to upgrade at all later on then just have your turbo rebuilt. If you want alittle more kick look into BNR turbos. Their turbos can be found on rx7store.net . So far all I heard was good things about them and thats what im going to be buying soon enough.
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06-03-07, 06:20 PM
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Considering it will cost you much less to simply buy a used (but good) unit than rebuilding... I suggest you go that route. You'll get back on the road for $100 (possibly less)
06-03-07, 08:28 PM
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Yes... Depending on if the used turbo you buy is good. Hell, I bought a turbo that was bad... not knowing it. The member lead me to beleive it was good, but it is ****. Good luck... I would just get it rebuilt if I were you.
06-03-07, 09:30 PM
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Thanks for all the input. I will drop the down pipe and check it out. I too contacted BNR and received no reply. I have another stock turbo so I will give it a check over to see if it looks OK and put it on to see what she does. Great forum.
