Let's talk turbochargers

Post by **j_cd** » 21 Jun 2010, 10:58

My turbocharger needs to be rebuilt or possibly replaced. I plan to finish removing it from the engine today. Trying to decide if I should have it rebuilt, get a rebuild kit and do it myself, or buy a new or remanned one.

I found a place about an hour away that has a remanned one in stock for $525 with core exchange. That's a 13T model which is an exact replacement. Now, I know you can upgrade to a 16T, but I read that a 15T is the biggest you want to go with a stock engine. I can't afford an ECU flash and turbo back exhaust right now, so I don't want to drop in a 16T. This is a GLT Light Pressure Turbo. I'll probably never run more than 12 lbs boost, so a 13T or 15T should be plenty.

I just talked to the shop that has the remanned one. He said that he can put a larger wheel in the 13T to basically make it a 15T or 16T, etc... I hadn't heard of this before. Is this a good or bad idea? He said the only difference is the wheel, but I don't know about that.

I won't know for sure what to do until I remove the one I've got and test it, so I had better get back to work.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 21 Jun 2010, 11:20

If you're looking for an inexpensive path, there's a rebuild kit - bunch of seals and what-not. There's also a posting (Where you ask?! Damn, I have no recollection!) that I read a few weeks back that seemed like it was easy to do, just need to have the right tools and some patients. If your pocketbook can handle it, I’d start adding big stuff - I love stomping on my GLT and would love to ‘go bigger’.

Post by **j_cd** » 21 Jun 2010, 11:44

You mean this thread here?

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=48611

You're right, the rebuild kit doesn't have all that many parts. I found a place that sells it locally for $100, so I could start rebuilding the turbo tomorrow. I might as well put an IPD HD CBV on there as well. It's only a few bucks more than the Mitsubishi CBV.

Post by **j_cd** » 21 Jun 2010, 12:14

I just talked to Sean at turbochargers.com. He said that I could try to rebuild it, but without a way to balance the compressor, it may not be perfect. I asked about marking the wheel and housing. He said that doesn't really work, and most turbos need more repair work than just having the parts replaced.

He is going to call MHI and see if he can get me a brand new turbo for the cost of a remanned one. He said they buy like $20,000 worth of stock at a time, and basically get them dirt cheap. He also said that when customers bring in cars equipped with the Chinese ebay turbos, there are always problems with the compressor wheel, bearings, etc...

Post by **vjaneczko** » 21 Jun 2010, 13:15

lol, yeah that's the post!! Sometimes its hard to keep track of everything I run across...

Since I like to DYI, I'd love to rebuild my turbo just to say I did it. But like I said; if you can handle dropping the coin on another unit, go for a bigger one!

Post by **j_cd** » 21 Jun 2010, 13:48

Turbochargers.com recommended not going to a larger turbo unless you're going to tune the car. He said that an extra 20 horsepower is not worth the stress you might put on a stock engine.

My cousin says I should just clean the thing off and reinstall it with new hoses. I'm getting the new silicone kit from IPD.

I'm off to get some tools then. Need a differnt wrench and/or extension to get the turbo bolts off the downpipe. Also buying a pressure gauge and pump so I can check the psi on the wastegate.

Hoping turbochargers will call back soon with a quote on the brand new turbo. If this one is toast I'll just have to replace it.

fast850 · Post by **fast850** » 21 Jun 2010, 17:29

I just rebuilt my 15g and it's not too difficult and you don't need to get it rebalanced if you follow the in the method used in the volvoforums.uk thread to mark everything so both fans are aligned when you put it back together. Mine is boosting perfectly with an MBC set just below fuel cutoff. You need one big snap ring plier to remove the housing snap ring.

Post by **phat78ta** » 21 Jun 2010, 17:34

Are you sure its toast? Mine started acting up on me, with inconsistent booost and boost dropping off, and it turned out to be the bypass valve. Little bugger had a hole in the diaphram. It was a PITA to change, but she pulls hard again. Just a thought.

Post by **j_cd** » 21 Jun 2010, 21:29

Honestly this turbocharger may not be toast at all. I mean, I'm not getting any engine codes and the car runs pretty well. I was initially shocked at how much oil cake was on there, but I'm going to take it out and clean it, then reinstall with new hoses. Who knows, maybe it doesn't even need a rebuild yet. It could just be really filthy on the outside.

I ordered the silicone intercooler hose set and the appropriate T Bolt Clamps from IPD today. Also some offset and 45 degree long nose pliers, distributor cap, rotor and wires, and a few other odds and ends. I'm not messing with the PCV until I get the turbo sorted out. And when I do take off the manifold, I'd like to install the phenolic intake manifold spacer to bring down temps a bit. Also found out that the R exhaust manifold will fit my car. Definitely a near future upgrade.

I made my own turbo drain pipe seal tool with a universal joint and a 5mm allen hex socket.

Post by **phat78ta** » 21 Jun 2010, 21:38

What are your symptoms? Mine ran well, just wouldnt hold boost. It would build boost as normal, but would fall back off and on. The bypass valve is on the front of the turbo by the block. Also, how do your vaccum lines look?