Turbocharger Rebuild? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Hit Man X · #1 05-20-2006, 02:18 AM

The SDL's turbo (KKK model) leaks pretty good here (1qt in ~1000mi) and it seems that Majestic here near Dallas is a bit on the spendy side. I believe I'm going to yank it myself here if I buy another Allen socket that will fit to the oil supply line...

ANYWAY - any places that are recommended to have this rebuilt at? I may have the exhaust housing ported locally (FI Systems in Dallas does it for about $100) and the blades balanced too.

Shipping shouldn't be that bad as I think I can stuff it into one of those USPS Flat rate boxes if not, I'll just use my FedEx acct.

Thanks for any help...

blueranger · #2 05-20-2006, 02:26 AM

when you say leak, do you mean that its leaking into the exhaust....

There is a place called diesel injection specialist they will rebuild it for you..
about 300 bucks....You can rebuild it yourself... and diesel injection will sell you the parts... the bearings cost about 5 bucks....you just have to mark it with a chiesel to make sure you get it back together in line... and you need to make sure you get the bolts really tight....

Hit Man X · #3 05-20-2006, 02:27 AM

I believe it's an internal oil seal that's the problem, smokes up quite a storm after sitting for a bit. Bearings seem okay, no shaft play fwd/bak or side/side.

There is an extra Garrett from an SDL on my shelf somewhere but I don't want to install it as the vehicle came with the KKK.

#4 05-20-2006, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueranger

you just have to mark it with a chiesel to make sure you get it back together in line

A permanent marker would be a better idea. At 120,000rpm the slightest offset in weight can make a difference.

Anyway, the compressor wheel is balanced seperate from the turbine wheel/shaft. They don't need to be put back together in the exact same spot.

Hit Man X · #5 05-20-2006, 02:33 AM

Hrm, maybe I should just shell out the $350 or whatever for the local boys?

blueranger · #6 05-20-2006, 02:36 AM

inside the turbo you have a little brass baring.... not a ball bearing... just a baring... and a oil seal...once your inside you will want to replace the bearing and the oil seal... just a couple of bucks good diy project... just put it back together in alignment and tighten the heck out of it....

you will not need to balance the shaft if the bearing is showing no play... its in balance and your only problem is the oil seal....if you fix it now you will save it... becasue the turbine will start to wobble soon...

take it and have it beed blasted ... really clean it up... and its fun to paint it..

Hit Man X · #7 05-20-2006, 02:41 AM

Doesn't seem like that bad of a project, I've seen the turbocharger rebuild kits... they look pretty simple.

#8 05-20-2006, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

Doesn't seem like that bad of a project, I've seen the turbocharger rebuild kits... they look pretty simple.

Very simple. It's harder to get the stains off the aluminium housing than to change the bearings and seals. People must make a killer profit charging $300+ for the rebuilds.

Brian Carlton · #9 05-20-2006, 07:35 AM

I'm going to do the KKK on the '86 SDL very soon myself. $350.00 for one of those rebuilds is ridiculous.

As mentioned, it's probably more difficult to cleanup the housing than to change the seal and bearing.

OMEGAMAN · #10 05-20-2006, 10:56 AM

I have rebuilt 2 KKK turbo's and had no problem with either. It's an easy job. I recommend getting some carb/parts cleaner in the gallon can to soak parts in. Just scribe marks on the housings to get them in the correct position for reassembly!

libbybapa · #11 05-20-2006, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ForcedInduction

A permanent marker would be a better idea. At 120,000rpm the slightest offset in weight can make a difference.

I can see that, but how can one account for the fact that a significant amount of soot is always deposited on the turbine wheel. Does it deposit itself in a self-balancing way like rocks in tire tread?

Andrew

#12 05-20-2006, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libbybapa

I can see that, but how can one account for the fact that a significant amount of soot is always deposited on the turbine wheel. Does it deposit itself in a self-balancing way like rocks in tire tread?

Andrew

I'll put it this way: Have you ever seen one with an uneven soot/oil coating on it?

Hit Man X · #13 05-20-2006, 02:05 PM

Maybe I'll pay either of you two to rebuild it for me.

t walgamuth · #14 05-20-2006, 02:13 PM

is there any way to tell if oil is going out the turbo bearing vs out the rings?

tom w

Hit Man X · #15 05-20-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

is there any way to tell if oil is going out the turbo bearing vs out the rings?

tom w

I pulled the breather once and then removed the cap at idle, the motor appears to have minimal blowby. I assume it's the turbo as it seems to load up like that once hot (oil is thin).

If it's the motor, it is the motor and I'll drop another in there.