Thread: Precision Turbo doesn't spin at idle

So after installing my new Precision 6262E turbo on my pulsar gtir, when the car is idling the compressor wheel does not spin. However, there are no leaks in the oil lines and the car can build boost without a problem. Is this something that I need to worry about? I've researched and found mixed opinions. I would appreciate any insight before killing the turbo. Thanks.

What restrictor are you using? What is your oil pressure at idle? Did you prime the turbo and ensure oil out drain? What exhaust a/r?

Sounds like not enough oil at idle. It should spin, but I wouldn't say it is the end of the world because the exhaust gas just doesn't have enough pressure to overcome the friction to spin the wheels.

I'm not using a restrictor because its a journal bearing turbo and my oil pressure gauge crapped out a few months ago. I primed the turbo before starting the car. Exhaust A/R is a .63. Yeah I think it just might not be enough exhaust gas. I've also read that new turbos need to be run for a while and then the compressor wheel may spin.

What size line are you using for oil feed?

Kinda weird on a .63 a/r... But it is true that journal bearings take a while to free up especially if they were built on the tight side.

Mine did the same thing when we first started it , and we primed it as well , spins fine now ....

Yeah, my turbo after i rebuilt it did the same thing. Its just the clearances are soo tight off the beginning that at idle there isnt enough pressure to spin it. Rev that baby up and get it spinning and it will break itself in. No problem. This is very common on freshly rebuilt turbos or brand new ones. My buddy got a rebuilt t25 and even that turbo did it at first. A couple minutes of reving it up and getting it to spool broke it loose and it was fine after that. And your turbo is much larger than a t25 and my 60 trim t3 i was using.

Thanks for all the input everyone. I think I will run the turbo a few more times under boost and then check it. I feel better to hear that it might just need to break in instead of it being defective for sure.

youll be fine my old turbo was the same after a rebuild. happy boosting

Thanks again everyone. I emailed Precision yesterday and this is the response I received: "Is it a journal bearing turbo? If so it is normal that it wouldn't spin. A turbo uses the exhaust to spin then build boost. While at idle there isn't much exhaust flow so that would cause the turbo not to spin. So your turbo is fine." I feel a lot better and look forward to some boost