New member: HX35W problems

armcclure · Jun 25, 2014

Hey guys, I have used this forum for lots of info and am seeking your help since you guys more or less pioneered using holsets.

Mods, I believe I can only post in this section being a new member: if there's an issue with posting here I apologize, just let me know.

I have a freshly rebuilt hx35w on my Saturn ion redline. About 1k miles on the setup. Running about 28psi.
This morning, mid 4th gear, I somehow managed to overcome that b**** of a snap ring and blew the compressor cover right off the chra. Luckily, my intake is rigid and v-banded to the cover, so it held it mostly in place.

The turbo is going to have to come off to fix it, and hopefully the impeller is ok. Couldn't hear any contact or scraping so looks hopeful.
I'm just wondering of anyone else has had this issue and what you did to overcome it.

Yes, I searched the forum with a few different terms looking for an answer. I know these things can take way more than 28#, so my first thought is install error. I know though that I had it set in the groove; I used a small punch and brass hammer and worked my way around making sure the whole thing clicked in.

If you have any thoughts, please share. And one again if it's inappropriate to post this here, I apologize. Obviously I am not too familiar with your forum rules.

Seamus · Jun 25, 2014

I would be shocked if there isn't some damage to the compressor. It may just be minor stuff to the edges and still use able. I would think you would have had a major boost leak before the cover came off whether the snap ring was damaged or Improperly seated.

armcclure · Jun 25, 2014

First off, thank you for the reply.
I was at a national gm sport compact meet this past weekend and it DID seem more laggy than usual. Even wotbox nls-ing 2-3 and 3-4 boost took a second to pick back up.

I will be pulling it off this weekend to take a closer look. This thing is so big I have to drop the cradle and steering rack to get it out.

As far as damage to the wheel, I am hopeful. My piping is rigid enough that you can barely move the cover. The only way you can move it is straight out, which would increase wheel clearance. It was still running when I discovered what had happened, and there was no noise at all. But, I won't know for sure until I pull it off.

I'm just wondering why I need to do to ensure this doesn't happen again.

Seamus · Jun 25, 2014

I don't know how to insure that it doesn't happen. I have an hx35 and have had many mhi turbos. I always installed the new snap ring properly and never thought about them again. I guess a little loctite wouldn't hurt anything or safety wire maybe, but it shouldn't be necessary.

armcclure · Jun 25, 2014

The only other thing I could think of is maybe machining a little block that clips in between the prongs of the snap ring, so that it cannot compress.

Seamus · Jun 25, 2014

You know what a pain in the ass that snap ring is. Do u really think it just magically compressed? It had to somehow fail or more likely it was installed wrong. Is this a 100% genuine hx35? Did u use an aftermarket cover or use a snap ring from an aftermarket rebuild kit? I've seen mhi turbos with aftermarket covers where you could clock the compressor with the snap ring installed! U really need jusmx in here. He has seen every turbo failure under the sun. With more and more knock offs and aftermarket parts hitting the market along with the huge increase in novices attempting their own rebuilds, I'm sure he has seen some really crazy shit.

JusMX141 · Jun 25, 2014

I've been building turbos 10 years now and I've never, EVER witnessed a Holset snap ring come off on it's own. You clearly didn't have it seated properly into the groove.

I've seen it happen a lot on MHI turbos when people install the snap ring upside down, where the bevel doesn't fit into the groove....but this is impossible to do on a Holset because of the ears on the snap ring.

armcclure · Jun 25, 2014

100% oe cover and ring. Straight off of the truck then rebuilt. Re used the ring.

I agree there's no way that thing can magically pop out, it is in there TIGHT.

Like I said, during install I tapped all the way around making sure it was clicked down.
The only thing I can think of is that at install, I did have to squeeze it slightly in order to clock the compressor. It must have lifted a corner out at that point, and worked up from there.
That is the only thing that makes sense.

I am only the second person I know of to use a holset on this platform, an the first with a 35w, so this is why I was asking here. I really appreciate the input.

JusMX141 · Jun 25, 2014

armcclure said:
The only thing I can think of is that at install, I did have to squeeze it slightly in order to clock the compressor. It must have lifted a corner out at that point, and worked up from there.

Bingo.

mikewright1252 · Jun 26, 2014

i had the same thing with my 16g the snap ring gave and blow my housing apart which damaged the compressor wheel so i switched to the hx35 your best bet is to get a new housing and get it balanced

armcclure · Jul 12, 2014

It did end up junkin the wheel, not very bad but enough I should replace it. The cover is 99% fine, just a pea sized nick in one spot. So small that it took me 3 times looking at the cover to find it.

On that note, has anyone here ran the wickedwheel2 hx impeller?

EGLTAWLN · Jul 13, 2014

if your setup is too tight, maybe the engine torqued and the lack of flexability pulled the housing off?

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