I purchased a turbo (stock S4) off the for sale/used section, which was advertised as having no cracks. When it arrived, I liked the condition of the turbo, yet there were cracks. These cracks were located in the following: one in the divider, and two at the top. These said cracks were not hairline, but not deep enough to cause an exhaust leak. Two questions:
1. Should I raise hell, as it was advertised as not cracked.

2. Is it worth the bother? Can I magnaflux it? Is there something that can be done? I am sick of getting unusable junk. This turbo looks clean, and as there is a bit of resistance in the wheel, there is absolutely no shaft play. Almost as if someone screwed with it. (AND the wastegate backplate is missing. Like the rear housing plate. This fact alone is enough to send it back.)

Basically I am asking if there is a way to repair it or send it back and raise hell. Also, for anyone planning to buy a used turbo: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Best to do it right and buy an aftermarket one. All flames are welcome, please tell me what a dumbass I am.

Edit: The cracks are (obviously -- seeing as the heat generated is at the exhaust) it is on the exhaust side of the turbo. Also because I mentioned the divider. Pics can be provided as necessary.

 

If the seller said "no cracks", then there should be NO CRACKS.
I think you got bent over.


-Ted

 

I have to this day not seen any FC or FD used manifolds or turbine housings be crack free with the exception of very VERY low mileage units. The cracks dont hurt anything as long as they don't go all the way through (not very common for the cracks to make it that far unless the car was abused). But as Ted says.... if it was listed as "no cracks" and it has cracks, then yeah, you have a legitament bitch about it. But as i also said, your not going to find one without cracks, so if its internals are good, then go with it, just get the back plate if you don't have one.

~Mike..............

 

Im going with RETed on this. It's getting mailed back. Thanks guys.