Turbo Rebuild

Post by **PCars** » 03 Jun 2011, 16:49

Has anyone done a successful rebuild on an 1996 850 turbocharger? I'm not sure of the exact turbocharger model number, I have a 1996 Turbo Sedan(not R). I checked out some rebuild kits online for about $100 but not sure if they are good quality or not. Also, I haven't really seen any definitive writeups for this application specifically. I read that they need to be balanced if taken apart too. Is this something that would be challenging but possible or would it be better just to leave it alone? Thanks in advance.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 04 Jun 2011, 04:51

There is a guy on Volvospeed that both supplies parts and a rebuilding service for turbos but I can't seem to locate him. Put on a Nomex suit before you post over there but I'm sure a similar post on that site will get you in touch with the guy.

VolvoForums UK has a writeup pinned where a guy rebuilds a turbo on his bench.

I've not done it but it does look do-able by a mere mortal.

...Lee

gilhuly · Post by **gilhuly** » 04 Jun 2011, 06:55

www.stage-infinity.com

Here is a good write up. It is for a 13t, but the differences aren't material. I've done two 15Gs(what you have) and its pretty easy with the right tools. You need the big, high quality reversible circlip pliers to take apart the two halves. I suggest a dremel with a brass wheel brush to clean out the internal grooves where new seals go.

gilhuly · Post by **gilhuly** » 04 Jun 2011, 11:03

I forgot to say previously, get the genuine misubishi kit at about $110 shipped.

heat391 · Post by **heat391** » 04 Jun 2011, 13:26

Spanky is the user on VS

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 04 Jun 2011, 22:37

Generally speaking there is no need to rebalance the shaft/wheels unless there has been damage (debris, like valves or birds through the turbo) and in that case all you have is junk anyway.

Post by **PCars** » 05 Jun 2011, 15:04

Great thanks! Is there a way to know for sure if the kit is genuine mitsubishi? I saw a few on ebay from Xaviar and Nickelsport. Are these good? Should I call Mitsubishi to get it?

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 05 Jun 2011, 18:07

There was a full pictorial/review of rebuilding a T5 turbo on here somewhere. He got the parts from eBay and they worked fine. I believe they were Chinese built for Mitsubishi. I think the parts cost around $60.00+ (He was from England I think and he put price in lbs., about $1.50 per lb)

woolshire · Post by **woolshire** » 22 Jun 2011, 17:28

I believe this the link to the DIY mentioned above
http://www.volvoforumsrepairs.org.uk/80 ... refurb.htm

This is well done, HOWEVER - CAUTION: Even though the compressor nut is SUPPOSED to be LH threads, mine was NOT! If you read the tutorial in the link above, he ended up breaking the threaded part of the shaft off because of an incorrect torque value. I thought "poor guy" when I first read it. Now I am in the same spot except I broke mine trying to loosen it! Mine was RH threaded.
There was no way for me to know this because there were no exposed threads to help me evaluate the situation...oh well, $140 for a new turbine wheel/shaft on its way. That is the same price I paid for the whole turbo.

Post by **PCars** » 01 May 2012, 00:29

Well, almost a year later and many extra quarts between oil changes, I finally had my turbo rebuilt/resealed. After researching and trying to find a decent rebuild kit, I ended up just sending it out. I plan to get many more years out of my 850 and wanted to have a professional look it over and do the work with the proper equiptment.

The company that performed the work was called Turbo Pros and they are located somewhere in Texas. I spoke with a guy named Ralph, who was immediately familiar with the Volvo/Mitzu turbo and was able to get it back to me with a week and half. The repair costs around $400 for the reseal and balancing but the returned turbo was like new. They even put a heat resistant coat on the exhaust side and completely cleaned the exterior.

I had wanted to do this repair myself but I just wasn't confident that it would go back together well. The internal components looked very delicate and I unintentionally break stuff sometimes. It was great to have a professional bring my turbo back to life. I haven't boosted yet. I read somewhere to wait 100 miles or so. Not sure if it is really necessary but I have enough will power to hold out. A clean turbo looks great back there compared to the oily dirt blob it used to be.

Thanks for all the input you guys gave me earlier! Any other advice about new turbo procedures?