buying used turbo tips
 

hey, kinda wrong forum i think, buy my buddy's got an 06 SI, and was looking at a used turbo setup for 1500... i have a T2, and he wants me to check out the turbo... im not sure what i should be looking for in terms of seeing if the turbo is still good... i kno somestuff, like there should be minimal shaft play... but there should be more right? thanks guys

Check radial and axial shaft play, and feel for any wheel rubbing. Also, check for excessive corrosion or soot that might indicate previous leaking in the compressor and turbine housing.

Kevin

good info good info.... umm could u elaborate some of that stuff?... lol yes im a noob =P

grab the wheels from both ends and move them up and down left and right and spin it while you do it and make sure there is no rubbing.

Just in general, inspect the housings to make sure there was no soot and crazy oil build up that would indicate oil seal problems.

Kevin

dont forget to check to make sure all of the turbine/impeller blades are intact, and have no chips, dings, or bends.

haha cool, good stuff, hey stinkfist, ur picture is ironic cause this turbo setup is for a HONDA lol... good stuff though thanx for the help guys

When looking at "USED" turbo's your already going in the red zone. You want to ask lots of questions like how much boost he ran how many miles was it ran did he use NOS check for shaft play, up and down back and forth. Take tools and take the turbo apart in front of him look for dents, nicks, chips missing blades oil leakage in and out of the turbo, cracks or stress fractures. If there is to much play thrust washers and bearings might be affected and require a rebuild.

But honestly at 1500 bucks your better off buying a new turbo with a warranty getting a front mount intercooler bov and wastegate off ebay for a really good price. 60-1 turbo's without bearing go for around 5-600 bucks. Your better off getting a new one.