19J Turbo reconditioning - issue

Hi all.

A long while ago (When I had a 19J on the road). I got the turbo recondition by a company in London.
I know nothing about these turbos so just paraphrasing what they said.

After the first time they rebuilt it, I received it back and I noticed that spinning it by hand was very difficult and it was VERY stiff. When running it, at idle it didn't move at all. I called them and they said "Its a carbon seal turbo and this is normal, it wears itself in" I thought that was a little strange but ok, so I ran it on a rebuilt engine, was very clean etc etc. New filters, Oil, Oil supply line etc etc.

After 2-3 miles driving I pulled in to check the intake hose and would you know, it was soaked in oil. Checking for play and now there was a LOT of play, touching the housing type play.

So sent it back and they blamed the fact I had a rebuilt engine and said it was probably swarf or debris.
I wasn't happy but thought OK, they said the housing was shot, so I sent them a second turbo I had for parts. After another rebuild cost I full, same again, SUPER tight when I received it, ran it for a while and leaked A LOT, not as much the second time, but probably close to the limit of what you would expect for a turbo.

I immediately gave up on that particular 19J and engine swapped it.

Im in the process now of rebuilding another 19J and I still have the turbo boxed.

Were they right?

Am I over thinking the amount of oil that is leaking into the intake?

Were they just idiots?

Any advice would be great. Thanks.

i suspect you were dealing with idiots. i have never seen a new or properly reconditioned turbo which was tight to turn.

No, your turbo recon company sound like a bunch of cowboys; the compressor and turbine wheels should absolutely turn with near zero resistance. Sounds as if they've just flushed through with diesel...should have disassembled, media blast and measured housings, install wheel vane wheels/cartridge set, balanced at low-medium-high rpm, assembled, added ancillaries, pressure tested and returned to customer.

If you're needing any turbo charger properly rebuilt call/send to Turbo Dynamics in Dorset. They've recently rebuilt mine and it looks as new, inside and out, all new parts, vanes, cartridge, diaphragm, adjuster...the lot. It arrives set up to factory specification and has a proper warranty. They have a very good reputation and supply many turbo units to motor sport boys and guys. Give them a call...

https://www.turbodynamics.co.uk/

[note, have no association with the Co', just a very happy customer]

I have, most turbos Ive dealt with had a little resistance, unless they were worn out. But, a new turbo should not be putting oil into the intake.

One thing though, did you prime it?

What was the oil pressure? I take it you tested this?

And, did you set up the boost pressure correctly?