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Tsmith

10+ Year Contributor
223
1
Jan 23, 2010
Colo Springs, Colorado
Just bought my first dsm and first ever turbo car. The owner couldn't tell me much other than they "bought the car this way". Looking to see if anyone can see what has been done so far and where I should start maintenance. I see a lot of leaking around the turbo. Also looking to see if the BOV is atmosphere release or not if you guys can tell from this pic. Definetly trying to do things the right way so I figured I would start by fixing anything someone else done along with some routine maintenance. Thanks for any comments.

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So far I have sucessfully oiled the door hinges to get them to stop squeaking and took apart the drivers door only to find out that the window switch box cannot be screwed back into the door because the little prongs are broken. Me and a buddy are going to pull and save tomorrow to see if I can get a new interior for the car cause I want it to eventually be black and since I need a new drivers door panel anyways. Also going to try to pick up the left side skirt that is currently missing and possibly a new front bumper. Oh and a sunroof motor assembly since mine only clicks when I try to open it.

I do however plan on dropping the car off to have the tcase and both diff's drained and filled. I got the motor cleaned off and plan on trying to fix the oil leak on the turbo with some teflon tape. was also gonna take a peek at the timing belt and see how that thing looks right now. Looking at the VFAQ I see how to tell 6 bolt from 7 bolt so gonna check that. Basically try to get more familiar with this car. I would love to do a boost leak test but Jacks was asking between 45 and 90 bucks depending on how long it took them.
 
Even though I live down in the Springs, I also wouldn't mind helping you out with some things. With an air compressor, boost leak tester, screw driver, and a bottle of soapy water you could knock out boost leaks in less than an hour! LOL. So I wouldn't reccomend going to any shop for a BLT, you seem mechanically inclined enough to handle most things yourself or with some guidance.
 
That is definitely an Ebay turbo and I think Jusmx was able to tell from the wastegate actuator arm, surprised I didn't notice from your initial post. Before you do anything else, change that valve cover gasket to stop that nasty oil leak.

You should never have to pay anyone to do a boost leak test for you, especially at that price. Please search the forums on how to build your own because it will be one of the tools you'll be using a lot, also on how to perform one; it is very easy. If you have no access to an air compressor you can always go to the gas station, we do that all the time where I live.

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That is definitely an Ebay turbo and I think Jusmx was able to tell from the wastegate actuator arm, surprised I didn't notice from your initial post. Before you do anything else, change that valve cover gasket to stop that nasty oil leak.

You should never have to pay anyone to do a boost leak test for you, especially at that price. Please search the forums on how to build your own because it will be one of the tools you'll be using a lot, also on how to perform one; it is very easy. If you have no access to an air compressor you can always go to the gas station, we do that all the time where I live.

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Honestly I dont see much coming from the valve cover gasket today. again I washed the engine completely this morning and have been driving most the day. biggest thing I see if from the turbo line fitting. I read teflon works wonders there, but should I replace the copper washer with something different?

Thanks for the advice on the BLT I am looking for it now.

Even though I live down in the Springs, I also wouldn't mind helping you out with some things. With an air compressor, boost leak tester, screw driver, and a bottle of soapy water you could knock out boost leaks in less than an hour! LOL. So I wouldn't reccomend going to any shop for a BLT, you seem mechanically inclined enough to handle most things yourself or with some guidance.

haha I need to change my profile. I live right outside Fort Carson. Academy and Chelton area.
 
mann dont pay out the ass for someone to work on your own car!!

I have an air compressor, a blt and all the tools needed here. Anyone on here will tell you, now that your a dsmer, your going to have to learn how to work on your car whether you like it or not. Ive done everything from tranny flushes to timing belts o head gaskets in my own garage. Dont trust anyone to work on my own car except for a vary rare few and myself of course
 
haha I need to change my profile. I live right outside Fort Carson. Academy and Chelton area.

Sweet, that's much closer. haha. I definitely wouldn't mind helping out sometime so let me know.

You could always swap out the stock turbo feed for a stainless steel braided line. I got mine from Ebay for around 20 and it has never leaked a drop. Even with 80psi of oil pressure at startup :p. But I'll bet the problem is a bad copper crush washer. A new one with some thread sealer would stop that leak right away.
 
yea I will put some up. the outside is rough but gonna take care of most of that today.
 
If you have never done a valve cover gasket remember it's aluminum and when they start showing resistance of any kind to being threaded in it's probably time to stop.

The outside ones are 36 INCH pounds. The ones by the spark plugs under the spark plug wire cover are 24-36 INCH pounds as well.

So basically when they start giving that tiny bit of resistance STOP or you will crack your valve cover.

Also put a TINY bit of RTV Black around the gasket.





I should clarify. If you have can't divide or know 12 inches are in a foot (LIKE ME!... just kidding). It's 2-3 foot pounds.
 
Is the upper intercooler pipe a complete 90* L and no bend to it by the air filter? It looks like a strait pipe with 2 45* cuts in it and welded together. That cant be good for air flow. Seems like you should go ahead with some basic maint, check and replace gaskets with OEM ones, check timing and basically do the basics. I would suggest to do as much as you can yourself however, as having someone do it for you will get very expensive.
 
My car also had an ebay 16g on it when I bought it and I can have 5-7 psi just over 2000rpm and over 15 at 3000. Id say theres an issue of sorts somewhere.

Actually ive had really good luck with my ebay turbo so far. Only issue I have with it is some serious boost creep in second on up. Like wastegate set at 12 psi and I can still easily hit 18-20 by 6000 in second or third. Im sure my tubular header sure isnt helping matters.
 
Looks like you got yourself a nice 7bolt. That valve cover looks like its leaking as might that 16g looking turbo. If i was you I would change all fluids and inspect for possible problems that might occur later down the road like your timing belt for instance. Good thing is you have this website which is loaded with information.
 
I am a new DSMER in Aurora as well! Cant wait to see some pics of your car and i hope to meet up with some of you guys soon!
 
Congrats on the purchase. It sounds like you want to get the thing in good running condition before anything else. When I purchased mine a few months ago, the first thing I did was have the timing belt and water pump changed. And luckily since everyone on here is willing to help, I was able to have someone I found on the forum help / install all of it for $150, which is always good for us Newbs.

Take care of all the little tedious maintenance, then everything else will fall in to place, good luck with the new ride.
 
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After cleaining the old oil off the top end and driving for 4 days or so.

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