Does center housing damage equals worthless turbo?

[rpg_dog]

I've had an evo III 16g on my car since this past summer. I recently had a clog in my oil supply and it blew pretty badly. I saw that the compressor wheel was damaged, so I went and ordered a 20g compressor and a new rebuild kit from trader greg. Now that I have disassembled my turbo I see the extent of the damage. Apparently the turbo developed enough shaft play for the compressor to contact the center housing behind the wheel and had left some groves from the rotation. Does this make this turbo un-rebuildable? III dont know if the back of the wheel even touches this portion of the housing under normal condition, I haven't yet tried to assemble it because I took everything down to the machine shop that is supposed to bore out the compressor cover to match the 20g wheel. The machinest was on lunch, but is supposed to call me back before he gets started, so I guess I just want to know if it is worth me putting the time or money into trying to rebuild this thing??

 

[JusMX141]

I'd be more worried about the seal lip on the turbine side.

If it looks anything unlike this, it's junk (I know it's hard to tell in the pic, but the seal surface is smooth and has zero grooves):

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[-red97rum-]

Should be ok. The thing to check on the bearing housing is where the oil seal rides. Make sure the shaft didn't wipe the seal out and dig into or score up the housing where that seal rides.

EDIT: Haha! Justin beat me to it

 

[rpg_dog]

well i don't think mine looks much like that one at all, there is a single very deep groove along the entire lip. It looks machined, but unless its ment to hold onto an o ring, it probavbly isnt ment to be there. So am i correct in saying that this center housing is beyond repair??

 

[vash_1010]

Cut out seal, press in new one. Should be good.

 

[JusMX141]

That housing is junk, unless you're planning on doing something like vash pointed out above.

Still, it appears the turbine-side journal bearing is seized into the housing....so I'd start shopping for another turbo if I were you.

 

[vash_1010]

That housing is junk, unless you're planning on doing something like vash pointed out above.

Still, it appears the turbine-side journal bearing is seized into the housing....so I'd start shopping for another turbo if I were you.

Agreed. The cost to hone, balance, shaft/hub work and custom bearings wouldn't be cost effective.