Thread: What To Look For When Buying A Turbo

I've been afforded the oppurtunity to get a turbo at a very good price. There's only one problem. I have no idea WTF to look for when I'm buying one! I know what to look for when buying it ( shaft play, oil leaks ), only problem is I dont know what I'm supposed to "see" when i'm looking for these problems in a turbo, if you can understand what im talkin about. I'm reading up on turbos in general, but can anyone with turbo experience point me in the right direction?

There not really much you can look at besides shaftplay. Even a good turbo will leak oil if you let it sit long enough.
Just make sure it spins freely and doesnt have any shaft play.

i would pull both sides of any turbo i was looking to get that wasnt new and check the fins to make sure they are good

in a non-ball bearing turbo, there should be slight shaft play side to side, or lateral to the shaft. This is because the oil will flow into the journals and balance the shaft within the center section. Too much is bad, but a millimeter or less is normal. you just don't want it to be completely tight. The more important type of movement is thrust play, which is movement along the axis of the shaft (push pull movement on the shaft). If there is any thrust play at all, it means that the seals are no longer tight and that the thrust bearing is potentially wearing out. This is how it was explained to me, if I'm wrong, someone correct me.

Don't take chances with used ones, buy it brand new!!!!!! I learned the hard way or take it apart on the spot to check it out