New turbo maybe?

Happyhippo · Jan 23, 2018

While stripping out the starter on my L-series Freelander (turned out to be pitted contacts for the second time) I noticed that the turbo rotor does not spin easily. I always assumed that they were finely balanced and that a puff of wind would set the rotor spinning. On mine, the rotor turns OK by hand but doesn't spin freely. Turbo has done 150k miles but motor is much newer only 10k miles. There has been no real drop in power or torque and no excessive smoke.
Maybe it's time to look at a recon turbo? Any suggestions as to reliable UK suppliers?

guineafowl21 · Jan 23, 2018

Happyhippo said:
While stripping out the starter on my L-series Freelander (turned out to be pitted contacts for the second time) I noticed that the turbo rotor does not spin easily. I always assumed that they were finely balanced and that a puff of wind would set the rotor spinning. On mine, the rotor turns OK by hand but doesn't spin freely. Turbo has done 150k miles but motor is much newer only 10k miles. There has been no real drop in power or torque and no excessive smoke.
Maybe it's time to look at a recon turbo? Any suggestions as to reliable UK suppliers?

Trying to spin a turbo can be misleading - in use, the rotor floats on a layer of oil. I think you’re looking for grittiness. @Nodge68 knows more, including how to replace the ‘guts’ yourself.

Nodge68 · Jan 23, 2018

guineafowl21 said:
Trying to spin a turbo can be misleading - in use, the rotor floats on a layer of oil. I think you’re looking for grittiness. @Nodge68 knows more, including how to replace the ‘guts’ yourself.

This ^^^^ is quite correct. If you try to spin the turbo's compressor by hand, then they don't spin freely as expected. The turbine shaft "floats" on a thin layer of pressurised oil. This oil is only under pressure when the engine is running. If the engine is off, the turbine shaft can sag off centre. This off centre sag can cause the exhaust turbine to drag on carbon inside the housing. This is felt as slight drag, often with a tight spot every rotation.
It's of no real concern and common on turbos that have travelled a good few miles. The end float of the rotating assembly is more important than its ability to spin freely without it's oil.

GrumpyGel · Jan 23, 2018

Which presumably is another reason why servicing and good oil is so important.

guineafowl21 · Jan 23, 2018

GrumpyGel said:
Which presumably is another reason why servicing and good oil is so important.

... and why I dissuaded my mate from using bulk tractor oil in his Rav4!

Happyhippo · Jan 24, 2018

Thanks for your replies guys.
It all sounds entirely plausible. Maybe there's a few more miles in the turbo yet. I've always changed the oil short of service intervals and looked after the turbo when the engine is working hard. Let's hope it has paid off!

I've been meaning to get round to fitting a boost gauge. Mainly so that I can see what's happening with the boost. This could be the push I need.

GrumpyGel · Jan 24, 2018

Happyhippo said:
Thanks for your replies guys.
It all sounds entirely plausible. Maybe there's a few more miles in the turbo yet. I've always changed the oil short of service intervals and looked after the turbo when the engine is working hard. Let's hope it has paid off!

I've been meaning to get round to fitting a boost gauge. Mainly so that I can see what's happening with the boost. This could be the push I need.

Our house is down a small rabbit warren of slow roads and our house then down a drive, things shouldn't be to hot by the time the car gets home. If I'm out somewhere though and the cars been working hard recently, I'll give it a little while to cool down before turning the engine off - not long probably no more than 30 seconds. I don't know if it makes any difference, but plenty of people have turbo timers and presumably they serve a purpose - so I'm a human turbo timer.

People are now going to tell me I've been stupid and it makes no difference what so ever!

guineafowl21 · Jan 24, 2018

GrumpyGel said:
Our house is down a small rabbit warren of slow roads and our house then down a drive, things shouldn't be to hot by the time the car gets home. If I'm out somewhere though and the cars been working hard recently, I'll give it a little while to cool down before turning the engine off - not long probably no more than 30 seconds. I don't know if it makes any difference, but plenty of people have turbo timers and presumably they serve a purpose - so I'm a human turbo timer.

People are now going to tell me I've been stupid and it makes no difference what so ever!

It’s a good habit to get into - shutting off a turbo engine immediately after hard work, like pulling into a lay-by of a dual carriageway, means there’s lots of oil still in the bearings and the turbo is red hot. The very high temperatures then cook this oil into carbon. Turbo timing allows the excess oil to drain back, and the turbo to cool. It’ll last longer that way.

Also, give a few seconds when starting up for oil to reach the turbo.

New turbo maybe?

Happyhippo

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guineafowl21

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Nodge68

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GrumpyGel

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guineafowl21

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Happyhippo

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GrumpyGel

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guineafowl21

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