Is my turbo gone?

1991 940, car has severe lack of power and no boost on the dash gauge.
After removing the intake ducts, hoses, etc, I can feel but cannot turn what
I assume to be the compressor inside the inlet housing. Two questions:

Should I be able to reach inside the turbo inlet and immediately find the
compressor blades; is there anything elses such as static vanes in there?

Should I be able to turn the compressor blades with my hand; i.e. minimal
effort?

 

You should find a shaft with the compressor blades on it.

They should spin freely with minimal wobble.

Sounds like you need a rebuild.


Gary

 

That's what I have assumed-any tips on a rebuild? The turbo is a t25, which
I understand is not too common. Is it possible/feasible/inexpensive to
obtain a rebuild kit rather than an entire unit? I am concerned that the
exhaust outlet may be cracked as a consequence of this event
(overheating...)-is that something with which to concern myself?

 

Yes you should reach the veins easily and they/it should turn with no
resistance,your instincts are serving well the impeller bearings are seized.
Usually an oil supply failure.

 

[ ... ]

Turbo International lists a cartridge available for the T25; their
site doesn't like my browser settings, though, so you'll have to
check on the price for yourself. That's not the cheapest approach,
but is by far the easiest rebuild option.

They also have rebuild kits and individual parts, if you're more
adventurous.

http://www.turbointernational.com/products2.shtml

I've priced a cartridge for my T-II RX-7 at $495, yours will probably
be less (RX-7 parts are expensive).

A cartridge is the guts of the turbo; basically, you take the housings
off the old turbo and mount them on the new cartridge, making sure
they're aligned correctly, and reinstall on the car.


Gary

 

Which brings another point to mind, always use a *new* oil supply line when
replacing a turbo cartridge.

 

I'll second that! The first guy who changed our turbo didn't do this
and it lasted about 4 months. If you decide this job is more than you
want to tackle and send the turbo out for a rebuild, failure to
replace the oil supply line will void the rebuilder's warranty (also
learned the hard way).

blurp