I recently bought a used T04E from the classified section. I decided to pull off the compressor and turbine housing, so I could measure the compressor and turbine. On closer inspection of the compressor wheel, I noticed the tip of one had a very small crack in it. I pushed on it lightly with my finger, and the tip popped off! I snapped a couple of pics. Anyway, I am wondering if the compressor wheel is done, is it an issue to run it like this, can a turbo shop balance it?

Sorry for the questions... slowly learning about turbos.

Thanks,
Greg

 

Personally I would be concerned there were more fractures in other places. you should be able to have it re-balanced, that little chip shouldn't make a huge difference in performance of the turbo.

My primary concern would be the compressor wheel turning to shrapnel if there is more damage you can't see. This can result in damaged motors obviously.

 

Yes, my other concern was exactly that... why did the tip chip off in the first place. I suppose it could by dye checked, but by the time you get through paying for that, it may be just as cheap to buy a new compressor wheel? On the other hand, the IC usually does a good job of stopping all shrapnel from reaching the engine, right?

 

I've had exhaust wheels that had **** run through them dressed and re-balanced by turbo shops, but that was on the inducer (major) end, I'd just look for a new wheel. Which T04E compressor wheel is it?

 

Uhmmmm... still trying to figure that out!

 

OK, made some measurements, and it looks like a 57 trim.

 

what is the exhaust side on that turbo? wheel and housing.

 

Housing is a 1.00, not sure about the wheel size. Will have to measure it when I get home.

 

I'm asking because now may be a great time to upgrade...

If you get a Precision SC6152E for dirt cheap, you can take the compressor wheel, backing plate and compressor housing and bolt it up to yours (if it's an O or P-Trim T4) Basically making a GT3574 turbo. PM me if you need details.

 

It looks like somebody took the housing off, and when they put it back on, dinged the tip of the wheel. Probably tried to bend it back but over time it fatigued. It's not the end of the world to run it like that, I've seen much worse.

 

Just replace the compressor wheel...that wheel shouldn't be that expensive. I just had to replace my compressor wheel on my brand new gt4088 cause my k&n airfilter came apart and sent wire and rubber into the wheel...chewed up the wheel pretty good. So I ordered a replacement and should be here Monday....I have the worse damn luck