I got these 4 years back because the turbo housing this came with was in really good shape. didn't pay too much attention to the intake turbine but then when I looked at my old set and noticed that I don't have this crud on the outer peripheral surface of the compressor.



another view:



another one:


My instinct is to replace this cartridge (primary turbo) as I have a spare.

Questions:

1. is the dark crud on the outer circumference a result of the carbon seals being worn thereby letting oil out which of course cruddy up the outer periphery of the blade?

2. Is there any writeup on how to replace just the compressor (inlet) blade? I have another set with a chipped blade but also have a new set of blade that I could install.

Thanks in advance

 

The black oily deposit could also be from blow by from the old engine that used those turbos as they have a blow by vent into the primary turbo.

 

^Yep. The PCV vents right into the primary turbo inlet duct so the turbos suck all that oily goodness through them.

I've yet to find a method for bench testing turbos to be sure they don't barf oil, only way is to run 'em.

But, I would feel pretty good about those.

Dale

 

agree 100% /\

I'd run em as is.

 

Have they been cleaned? A turbo that was leaking badly in its past life will have heavy deposits below the compressor entry where oil is leaking down and collecting dirt. If there's no sign of that and the exhaust/turbine area is relatively dry and oil free I would say they are worth bolting up and giving a shot.

Everyone above is correct, a little oil in the throat of the primary is perfectly normal.