Will a Bad Turbo Potentially Harm an Engine?

[Ski Bum]

I just realized that the seal between the compressor and exhaust housings on my turbo is bad. It leaks exhaust at full bost (12-13psi). I'm not too concerned about the turbo itself being that its just the stock 14b which will eventually be replaced. My concern is whether it has the potential to harm any other parts, specifically anything in the motor? I'm planning to swap in a rebuilt motor to replace my low compression one and would like to know if I should have a good turbo in before the new engine goes in. I'm not worried about making power yet just getting by, as safe as posible untill I can afford all of the supporting parts.

Thanks.

 

[ddavisaf]

If the bearing freezes and shreads the compressor wheel, then yes it is possible to damage the engine. This is only if the shredded bits of compressor wheel some how make it through the intercooler, up the pipes, past the throttle body and intake manifold, through the valves and into the combustion chamber.
Has it happened before? Yes.
If you'll be putting another engine in soon, then oh well. Run it as it is. Regardless, if you plan on rebuilding this engine you're taking out, the wheel bits won't affect that.

 

[danny_l_2005]

bad seals can also go through ## return line, throwing pieces of metal into ## oil, going through ## whole motor. my oil pump failed by pieces of metal going through it and messing up my rod bearings

 

[Ski Bum]

So there is a chance however slight that something could happen? Would you guys recommend fixing/replacing the turbo before putting in the new motor? Or will it be safe to run the rebuilt motor with the failing turbo untill a replacement is installed? If I did this obviously I wouldnt run anything higher than stock boost.

 

[GSTBlack95]

just replace the parts, a used 14b isnt that expensive and it might be in better shape then the one you have.

 

[ddavisaf]

just replace the parts, a used 14b isnt that expensive and it might be in better shape then the one you have.

I agree. Don't go out and spend alot on a turbo. But, you don't want to run a bad turbo on a freshly rebuilt engine.

 

[Hurleyatticus4]

I would have to agree with what most say right now as well. You definitely should replace the turbo if you are doing an entire engine rebuild. Why rebuild and throw the bad turbo back on just so you can risk having to potentially rebuild again.

Head to your local junkyard or check out the classifieds here and try to find a cheap 14b to put on the newly rebuilt motor. Or...if you want to have some fun, you could look into a small 16g

Let us know what you decide. Good luck with a smooth rebuild as well.

-Alex

 

[Ski Bum]

Thanks for the advice, Another 14b for the mean time wouldnt be a bad idea. I guess I could even give it a good P&P too!

 

[nuclearpenguin]

if it seems to only be leaking at 12-13psi. turn down the boost until you replace the turbo. seems to be the quickest fix to me