ball bearing turbos...NO SEALS!

[nicknorth11]

i was in a quandry about an oil leak that i feared originated from my turbo. when i posted this along with more detailed information, people agreed that the most probable idea was a bad seal. after talking to slowboyracing.com, i now know that BALL BEARING TURBOS DO NOT HAVE SEALS! my problem was simply too much oil pressure, which is easily remidied. i don't have to "fix" my turbo though. this would explain why nobody had posted about blown turbo seals on ball bearing turbos. too much oill pressure hinders performance, but does not actually harm the turbo. i am hoping this will clear up some misconceptions about ball bearing turbos and educate people, as i was recently, about these turbos.

 

[t3/t4eclipse]

Sweet, nice to know thanks man. However now we need to find out how to regulate oil pressure just to that one area. Im going to search around and see how to fix that problem.

 

[aero_sallee]

Sweet, nice to know thanks man. However now we need to find out how to regulate oil pressure just to that one area. Im going to search around and see how to fix that problem.

A feed line restrictor is used for the BB CHRAs. Many people sell them here is the FP one.
http://linux.forcedperformance.net/...=PROD&Store_Code=FP&Product_Code=FPMLSS2Ghead

 

[nicknorth11]

that link is to an ss oil feed line that comes from the head instead of the stock located oil filter housing. this produces less pressure. along with this method of reducing pressure, there are restricters. (10x1.25 banjo bolts with an .8mm inner hole also work to restrict oil pressure).

hope this helps

 

[aero_sallee]

Yes it is from the head. But the head still supplys too much pressure for the BB CHRAs. The one in the link says:
"The included 10mm banjo bolt features a .8mm oil restrictor orifice to limit oil supply to ball bearing turbochargers."

It seems the recommendation from many is to have an inline filter for the turbo also if feeding from the head.

 

[nicknorth11]

Yes it is from the head. But the head still supplys too much pressure for the BB CHRAs. The one in the link says:
"The included 10mm banjo bolt features a .8mm oil restrictor orifice to limit oil supply to ball bearing turbochargers."

It seems the recommendation from many is to have an inline filter for the turbo also if feeding from the head.

sorry, i didn't read the entire description in your link. and you are right again about the filter. there is a higher potential for debrit when running off of the head, but mainly this debrit is from building the engine. in my case, i will not run a filter because i have around 6-7k on my engine. also, filters can clog, causing a complete restriction of oil. (this is not that uncommon). running a filter is a better option if planning on regularly checking and replacing it, but if you're lazy, like me, it will probably be your turbos downfall.

to anyone reading this, if you've learned something here, click my scale and hook me up with some rep. points.

 

[nicknorth11]

new info: ball bearing turbos don't have seals, but they have an o-ring that can leak under high pressure. also, if this pressure goes long enough and high enough, it can damage this o-ring. forcedperformance will replace it for around $75 if needed.

 

[sleestack]

Just curious, who did you speak with at Forced Performance?

BB Turbos (all turbos for that matter) have seals in the form of piston rings on each side, the only o-ring goes under the seal plate but has nothing to do with oil leaking unless it is damaged or missing.

 

[sleek98]

what size of restrictor would you reccomend for a 6 bolt with no balance shafts running a pte bb chara. i know its not yours but i was looking at your filter.

but someone told me that the PTE turbos have a restrictor built into it, is that true?

 

[nicknorth11]

i'm not sure who i talked to, but now i'm kinda confused. i thought i finally had my problem figured out. so, sleestak, if i need reliable information, (which i do), who do i ask to speak with at forced performance? or, can you answer this question on here, (which will help many people)?

i have a lot of oil pressure going to my ball bearing turbo (gt28rs). (high volume oil pump, bs removed, stock oil supply). i just ordered your relocation kit with the restrictor bolt and plan to install it as soon as it comes in. my turbo went approx. 5k miles before it started leaking oil and now leaks worse than before. every time i drive the car it burns oil, especially after hard accelleration. any advice or information would be GREATLY appreaciated!

 

[sleestack]

what size of restrictor would you reccomend for a 6 bolt with no balance shafts running a pte bb chara. i know its not yours but i was looking at your filter.

but someone told me that the PTE turbos have a restrictor built into it, is that true?

All Genuine Garrett BB CHRA's have a 1mm orfice. I can't comment on PTE turbos, so it is best to call them and ask directly.
Here is a picture of the "seals" and the oil supply side orfice.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[nicknorth11]

sooooo........

i'm not sure who i talked to, but now i'm kinda confused. i thought i finally had my problem figured out. so, sleestak, if i need reliable information, (which i do), who do i ask to speak with at forced performance? or, can you answer this question on here, (which will help many people)?

i have a lot of oil pressure going to my ball bearing turbo (gt28rs). (high volume oil pump, bs removed, stock oil supply). i just ordered your relocation kit with the restrictor bolt and plan to install it as soon as it comes in. my turbo went approx. 5k miles before it started leaking oil and now leaks worse than before. every time i drive the car it burns oil, especially after hard accelleration. any advice or information would be GREATLY appreaciated!

 

[sleestack]

Ask me nicely...

 

[LandoAWD]

Lets see...

Incorrect info about BB turbos? Check.

Types like a 3rd grader? Check.

Bumps threads? Check.

Vendor bashing? Check.


Lock.

Edit: Beat to the punch. DAMN YOU REAL JOB!!!!

 

[leet]

Warnings issued.