is my turbo garbage?

[aaron_mc_03]

i just installed a 50 trim that i bought used. when i started the car up in noticed (with the intake pipe off) that the turbine wheel was not spinning so i played with the throttle a little bit and the turbine started spining. i went on to take a test drive and even at WOT only got 2psi. i got a smoke test done a noticed a small leak from the external WG gasket and thats it. also i have no shaft play what so ever. does anyone know what could be wrong? do i need a rebuild? or is my turbo garbage?

 

[romeen]

Have you tried spinning it by hand to see if it spins freely? If you can spin it easily by hand it might be your WG stuck open. If there is resistance then it sounds like the turbo may be bad. Also double check your oil supply.

 

[aaron_mc_03]

i have a tial external WG how do i check to see if it is stuck open?

 

[romeen]

Well first start by spinning the comp wheel by hand. It may become obvious that it is the turbo itself and your investigation will be done. Also make sure you don't have any obvious exhaust leaks at the manifold to head and manifold to turbo.

As far as I know the only way to check if the WG valve is closing/sealing properly is to unbolt the WG and examine the valve and the seat that it seals against. I don't have an external WG myself so maybe someone who has more experience with them can help. Here is a thread that may provide some useful info about external WG's.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258360

 

[hereitcomes]

If it doesnt even move by startup, because it should be spinning constantly, the shaft is bent or completley stuck. Or the fins are rubbing against the housing.

 

[tkelly27]

well, it could be a little sticky from sitting around. If it wasn't spinning at all you wouldn't be getting 2psi.

take your wastegate off, use a pressure source and see how it moves when you apply pressure to the port. If it moves properly, and you can't see any defects in the seating ring or the valve, your turbo is likely hosed. I say that because it would have to be REAL obvious to keep you from making more than 2psi. The factory wastegate flappers are pretty friggan leaky. Does your turbo have shaft play?

 

[aaron_mc_03]

nope no shaft play... how do i check the WG?

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I'm glad you don't have any shaft play, but you still haven't told us if it spins freely.

 

[aaron_mc_03]

yes it does spin freely it even boosts a little (2psi)

 

[romeen]

how do i check the WG?

Check posts 4 and 6.