NEED YOUR OPINION - Turbo Impeller Run-out. Need Opinions if I should Return This One: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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July 14, 2010 1:28 p.m. dean1484 Dork

Hi Everyone,

I got this turbo on ebay the other day. It was stated to be in "excellent" condition. I was very pleased to see that it was in good shape but upon inspection of the impeller shaft play I am concerned. There is no "in and out" movement it is all "back and forth" or I think the term is radial. Anyway please take a look at the video links. The seller has agreed to take it back but will only return my $$$ upon inspection from his "experts". Since I am sure you all will have no trouble giving me the strait shoot on this unit I am really interested in what you have to say about the condition of this.

I am into it for about $150 at the moment. It is a turbo form an 2006 Mazda 6 with the 2.3L motor The reason I like this unit is that it is indexed exactly the way I want so I don't have to mess with the wastegate linkage. It is also a very good match to my motor (a 2.5L na motor)

So what do you think. Keep it? Send it back? For $150 is it still a good deal even though it is not "excellent" Is this the way these newer units should work? Can I rebuild this thing for another $100 (new these units are big $$$)

Let me know as I would like to get this in today's UPS if it should go back.

Video #1 http://www.flickr.com/photos/22169868@N03/4794134280/

Video #2 http://www.flickr.com/photos/22169868@N03/4793499059/

Many Thanks!!!!!!
July 14, 2010 1:38 p.m. ansonivan HalfDork

Lulz, you said 'beautiful unit'

Looks like excessive shaft play to me also... ha, shaft play.
July 14, 2010 1:59 p.m. m4ff3w SuperDork

I'd run it, though I didn't pay $150 for it under the assumption of it being in "excellent" condition, either.

Don't forget the bearing has no oil right now.
July 14, 2010 2:16 p.m. dean1484 Dork

m4ff3w wrote:

I'd run it, though I didn't pay $150 for it under the assumption of it being in "excellent" condition, either.

Don't forget the bearing has no oil right now.

Ya that is my thaught. The thing looks to be in such good condition (and not like it was cleaned up for the sale either). I just dont know. I am NOT and expert with these.
July 14, 2010 2:33 p.m. RossD Dork

Call up some local shops and ask if they do impromptu turbo assessments. You might have to look for a diesel shop if you dont have a good gas turbo person around...
July 14, 2010 2:43 p.m. triumph5 Reader

In reply to RossD IMO I'd return it. I see oil pushing past the seals once it gets up to speed--if it doesn't score the shaft first. RossD's idea is good: take it to a diesel shop, and see what they say. Me, it'd be back in UPS's hands by now.
July 14, 2010 3:23 p.m. P71 SuperDork

As somebody who used to sell turbochargers for a living... send it back. That kind of axial play is way beyond spec.
July 14, 2010 4:28 p.m. Jerry From LA HalfDork
+1

That much axial play will result in one of two scenarios.
1. The spinning turbo blade will stall when it strikes the housing at speed
2. The spinning turbo blade will break when it strikes the housing at speed and your motor will ingest the parts.
Before you send it back, consider this: It looks like a very nice core for rebuilding. There are many turbo shops who'll rebuild your core and return it to you instead of swapping it for an already rebuilt unit. You might save a few bucks if you disassemble the unit (after noting how it's clocked) and have the bearing and seals done. Reassemble with new stainless steel hardware.
July 14, 2010 9:02 p.m. ignorant SuperDork
1. it should be checked with the bearings oiled...
2. That thing is berkeleyed. 0.015" max is what you want for total runout.
July 15, 2010 6:23 a.m. Dashpot New Reader

In reply to dean1484:

I had the same questions on a Garrett when I had it out, radial play looked excessive to me too, no end play. I called the Garrett distributor and asked for a spec to check it. He said "Those things like to run loose, does the impeller touch the housing?" "Then leave it alone!!!!"