What to look for when buying used turbos (e16g)

[vr4gasmtt]

I'm lookin to buy a evo3 16g , and was wondering what I should look for. I know shaft play for one, but like, how do I know I'm getting everything? and nothing was taken apart. They guy selling it doesn't really know much about it and if its the whole thing, so...

What do I look for?

 

[diablos991]

Look for excessive buildup of black soot around the exhuast side of the turbo. That could possible mean that the seals are bad. Carefully inspect the compressor wheel for bent/discolored fins. Also check the serial number on the turbo to see if it is MHI or a cheap knockoff. (A search would yield the ideal numbers to look for.) Check the compressor and exhaust housing for cracks. Check the wastegate arm and wastegate as well.

 

[garrett21]

The serial numbers that you would look for is 49178-01470 for an evo 3. 49178-01420 for a big 16G, and 49178-01520. The 470, 420, and 520 (last three numbers) will be stamped on the turbo not casted like the rest of the numbers. Have the guy send pictures of the turbo ansd compare it to some pics on this site. Good luck!!!

 

[5 Litre Eater]

I'm not too sure about this, but look inside the turbo and see if the compresser wheel wiggles back and forth. If it does it could mean that the bearing is bad.

That happened to my 14B and caused the car to cut out sometimes when hammered on.