more turbo stuff

[smatt1079]

I'm considering this a new topic because its different from my original theorys...

I have a 99 S80 T6 with around 76kmi.

I did some more shade tree diagnostics today, and it seems that only the drivers side turbo is pumping air at idle and at higher rpm's, but the passenger side never turns on.

So, I'm wondering if they should both be on (all the time) when the turbos are called for, or if they turn on seprately.

If they are both supposed to be on together (which they are not) does this mean that its shot, or is there something else that could be the problem?

Any thoughts would sure be appreciated...

[MadeInJapan]

The Biturbo is an interesting design. Although I know very little about these, I read in VADIS that Turbo #1 is for cylinders 1-3 and Turbo #2 is for cylinders 4-6. To me this would mean that they are both activated above a certain RPM, so to answer your question, I do believe they both come on at once and stay on together.

[smatt1079]

Thanks, I pulled off the shield and I see that its rigged to the first 3 cylinders.

I dont see a wastegate controller like was on the 850's, do you know if there is a way to check and see if the wastegate is just wide open when it shouldnt be?

if its not the wastegate I figure it must be a bad turbo, ya think?

[smatt1079]

so, i found out how to open/close the wastegate. Doesnt matter whether its open or closed (I dont actually know which position is which) it still doesnt pump out any air...

Can this thing be rebuilt ?

[MadeInJapan]

I really wish I could help you. Unfortunately I don't know a thing about these turbo's. Even VADIS only has instructions on how to exchange them. However, if they are anything like other turbo's I'm willing to bet that they can be rebuilt. My suggestion is for you to call and ask for Lucky at IPD (www.ipdusa.com) tomorrow. They are on the west coast so figure the time delay when you call. At least he'll be able to direct you to someone who can either rebuild your turbo for you or give you some information on what else could be going on.

Good luck!

[smatt1079]

If anyone is ever curious, to open/close the wastegate on this car you can blow some compressed air through the "pipe kit" that goes to both turbos. Not much pressure is needed, lower the psi on your compressor so you dont blow anything out.

other than that, MIJ, I was wondering if the instructions in vadis were fairly straight forward or if it looks like there is anything thats a royal pain to do. To me, it looks like I need to remove the aluminum inlet/outlet tubes from the turbo, the shield, the line to the wastegate, and oil lines.

Then, three bolts on the turbo to the exhaust, and four bolts from the turbo to the exhaust manifold, and this puppy looks like it'd slide out. I'll have the car on ramps because it looks like some of the bolts I'll have to get from underneath

To me it looks like a 2 or 3 hour job.

does vadis seem to say anything different?

[MadeInJapan]

Actually I think you have more info than VADIS provides on this. Go for it. If you have the time, you learn as you go. Be careful of the different lines- they could be brittle depending on how long you've owned the car.

[smatt1079]

So, I changed the turbo. I was a little off on the time estimate above, 2-3 hour job? Hardly. It took me that to get the old one out, but it started going quicker when i recruited a buddy of mine with smaller hands to get into the tight spots.

What a pain to do, and I knocked the oil return line out and had a heck of a time getting it back in. Now its leaking a little (very little drip, hasnt affected the oil level much even), but I'm done crawling around on my back I'm going to ask the dealer how much it'll be to fix that.

Passenger side turbo from erie vo-vo - $275
New tools to help do the job - $50
passing everyone on the highway with ease - priceless.

[smatt1079]

p.s. the shaft had snapped, if anyone is wondering why/how it was bad.

[MadeInJapan]

Which shaft?