New Surf - Turbo failing?

[Big_ben]

Hi all,

Just bought my second Surf. 1992 2.4 Manual SSR-X. I have a feeling the turbo might be on the way out. When it spools up I can hear the usual whine of the turbo, nothing major there. But I also get a tinny metalic rattle. This disappears if you apply more throttle, but appears again on the way down just before the turbo light on the dash goes out. I can also see smoke in headlights behind me when I accelerate. Any ideas? Is that the turbo dying a death?

Is it OK to drive until the turbo calves altogether, and then recon or replace it? Or could damge be casued?

Thanks for any help.

-Ben

[andyverran]

Check the play in the Turbo spindle chap, if it goes bang the bits can really bugger things up...a risk some may end up in the engine...and there is a chance you can rebuild it if it's not too banjaxed.

pop the inlet hose of the turbo and wiggle the spindle, your looking for play less than 10 thou and no contact between the impeller blades and the housing.. (you should really use a dial gauge but that's a bit pricey for a one off)...just for reference, 10 thou is about 1/4 of a mm...

these people may be useful:
http://www.turborebuild.co.uk/p/cate...cts+and+Parts/

they gave me plenty of free advise when mine went pop...my seals were blown, though the turbo didn't hit the housing...

FYI: they bought the knackered bits from me for £30...

[Big_ben]

Thanks for the input Andy - I'll check the amount of play this evening when I get home.

Does what I describe sound like the turbo is the culprit for the noise?

[andyverran]

Thanks for the input Andy - I'll check the amount of play this evening when I get home.

Does what I describe sound like the turbo is the culprit for the noise?

It sounds like a moving bit is hitting something, but could also be something vibrating at certain frequencies/revs...the turbo could be it, but so could other bits..check and be sure, if it's not that it's a case of checking all the moving bits for play or evidence of contact...having said that the CT20 isn't known for it's durability and is sensitive to it's oil quality.

for what use it may be, my turbo pics and bad video of my seal failure.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zx4acirbuo0povc/J68zbWBCvs