taps and turbo question

[buhay6]

ok I got two quick questions, ones for Justin or any other knowledge-able turbo rebuilder's.

First question is what size tap do I need for the 10mm bolts on our cars? I don't have the right tap in my kit and don't know how to go about sizing it up. I've looked through the forums for a while and came up with nothing, so if anyone could help me out that'd be great.

Second one is I'm just wondering it the 14b turbo I have is worth rebuilding? It has a little side to side play but no in and out play. the reason I'm questioning it is because it looked like the turbine is rubbing on the housing.
There's also 2 cracks around the waste gate flapper.

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[92AWDHX40]

Its worth it.

 

[Cdc1221]

Looks horrible. Buy another one. They're cheap. And its normally 10 x 1.25mm

 

[wparks]

Where does one find a new 14b for "cheap" ? Sign me up! It does not look like it's rubbing- and should not unless the side-side play is wicked bad. Looks more like it ate something in the past. While you have it out, check out the exhaust/turbine side and make sure there is not an irregularity in the cast iron area around the turbine- when my side-side play got bad it started grinding there first.

The problem with rebuilding is that there is no way to get the turbine/compressor wheels balanced, and living with the resulting random imbalance will result in reduced performance or problems down the road. I rebuilt mine, then did not torque the compressor nut correctly, and it came apart on me- now that looked terrible!

I did not have megabuck$ to buy one of the many "good" turbos everyone talks about, so I compromised and paid only $200 for one of the cheap piece of crap Chinese built "big 16g" turbos from ebay- it's cheap, it works great, and I have had no problems, except the spool up is at least 500rpm higher than the old 14b. For that reason alone, if i had a chance to do it again, I'd hold on to that 14b (and not rebuild it) until it smokes or grinds. A turbo rebuild kit is a "longshot" at best.

 

[Cdc1221]

I've seen them go for as low as $75, and as high as $250, on this site. Now as far as that goes, if the hot side isn't chewed up, that's a good candidate for a upgraded wheel aka 16g/20g. But I maintain that for the price of a good working used 14b, better off going used unless you want to upgrade. I wouldn't use that compressor.

Side note: that pic could be doing it injustice. It may not be as bad as it appears to me

 

[silvreclips]

The problem with rebuilding is that there is no way to get the turbine/compressor wheels balanced, and living with the resulting random imbalance will result in reduced performance or problems down the road.

I'd hold on to that 14b (and not rebuild it) until it smokes or grinds. A turbo rebuild kit is a "longshot" at best.

Wrong, MHI turbos are component balanced. Meaning that each part is balanced separately before being assembled. As long as there is no major damage to either wheel you will NOT have to rebalance the turbo after a rebuild. As added safety most people is scribe a line on the compressor wheel and shaft to show how they lined up originally, and then line the wheels back up after the rebuild but this step is not necessary.

 

[buhay6]

Awesome guys thanks for chiming in. I looked at the exhaust side of just now and there's no play in it at all or any signs of rubbing. I checked the cool side again to see if I could get the wheel to hit the housing but no go. I figure it has about 1mm of side play in it, but I don't understand why the hot side would have no play at all? Guess it could be one bearings just wore more then the other one. Turbo hasn't been run in 7 years, bought the whole car and just going through it to see what needs replacing. (Best $450 I ever spent)

How much does a rebuild kit cost? Plus a new compressor? I have another 14b but the compressor and hotside are screwed.

 

[silvreclips]

You should be able to get a rebuild kit for around 60-70. Dont buy a cheap ebay kit, make sure you get a factory rebuild kit. 14b compressor wheels and housings are a dime a dozen. You could probably score both for $20 or so. Hell I even have a few of those wheels laying around the house.

 

[buhay6]

Ok just an update turbo seems to be fine actually only boosts to 8 psi but that's because I know I have multiple boost leaks. Also bought a spare 14b turbo for $150 shipped just in case.
Thanks for the help gents!