Turbo parts question....

[KATwo40]

Well, I recently acquired a T3/T04E only to find that the bearing is shot. There's axial and latteral play, and it won't boost. It goes "screeeeeeeech...rattle rattle.....wheeerrrrrrrrrr"

However, the seals aren't blowing any oil. Would it be safe to order a bearing, slap it in the CHRA and rock on? Or should I send it off for a rebuild?

Thanks!

[crzycav86]

My z31 turbo had quite a lot of play, but didn't leak oil. It boosted fine too.

I rebuilt it just recently.

Rebuilding it is a piece of cake, really. Just make sure you know which way some of the parts go. There isn't much to it, but I had to rebuild mine twice because I installed a bearing backwards.

Take pictures as you're taking it apart.

But yeah, rebuild it yourself.

[Chezedik]

Not likely, if it is screeching, then there is probably contact between the compressor and wheel. If you pop off the compressor housing and there is not any wear on it, then you can just change the bearings. But you may be F'd if there is any contact. It may require a full rebuild. If you like I have a T3 compressor I am selling, but you would want to rebalance the wheel. Of course, not as much power there, but undamaged.

[KATwo40]

Not likely, if it is screeching, then there is probably contact between the compressor and wheel. If you pop off the compressor housing and there is not any wear on it, then you can just change the bearings. But you may be F'd if there is any contact. It may require a full rebuild. If you like I have a T3 compressor I am selling, but you would want to rebalance the wheel. Of course, not as much power there, but undamaged.

There's definitely compressor contact. I can see the scrape marks on the inside of the compressor inlet. These marks had been polished off, so I didn't see them upon inspection.../sigh.

It can still be rebuilt, though, right? I noticed that the compressor fins (major) have little rolled edges from contact. I really didn't notice that before I installed the turbo and re-plumbed my entire system. Think it'll be ok, still?

Thanks!

[Chezedik]

Yes, but you may have to replace the compressor housing and wheel, that is what you do when there is contact.

[KATwo40]

Just wondering, I'm running a restrictor at the block and a -3an line. Is it possible that the CHRA has a restrictor already in it and I'm starving the turbo of oil?

Also, how long (in terms of cold start to full operating temp) would it take, if starvation was the case, to start making the racket I'm hearing?

Thanks again. I know the answer is that the bearing was already worn, since there's quite a bit of latteral play, but just making sure I've covered all my bases.

BTW, I ran a TD04H for a year with this lubrication setup with no problems.