Can someone point me in a good direction for finding a rebuilt, used or new turbocharger for a 1984 300DT?

I've been watching ebay, but looking for something from a reliable source - and even though I have only been a member here for a short time, it seems that most everyone here is very trustworthy.

Your recommendations are greatly appreciated!
-JH

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* 1984 300D-Turbo - Daily Driver
* In search of a good 81-84 300TD-Turbo Wagon

eBay is about the worst place for turbos. A few deals pop up occasionally but most of them are a rip off or poor quality.

Junkyards and personal sales are the best sources.

Why do you need a turbo? Have you made absolutely sure it's bad? These rarely ever fail unless they are abused or loose their oil supply.

I'm not positive I need one ... yet.
If all goes well I will take mine off this weekend and check for any damage, and replace the gaskets, etc.

I'm getting blue-white smoke when cold and idling, and then blue-black smoke on acceleration. I can hear a squeak, or whistle while driving and it finally did it while I was idling with the hood up and I am almost certain it came from the turbocharger. I can't hear the turbocharger wind up at all, but then again I might not be listening close enough.

I just bought this car last month and am on my way through a whole checklist of items (most of which I have picked up from this forum) that I should do to the car.

Here are the "problems" that I have come across with the car:
1- Smoking as described above - White-blue when cold, black-blue when warm and accelerating.
2- Whistling sound (I think from the turbocharger)
3- When I got the car the PO had capped one hose going to the EGR - at the time I didn't know enough to ask why - now I know to ask why, but probably not enough to understand the answer. So just to give myself a clean starting base, I reconnected that hose. Since then, it seems that I have noticed an increase in the black smoke, and a decrease in power. It seems very sluggish going from 0 to 20mph.
4- Rough idle - worse when cold and/or when in gear (ie at a stoplight).

Here is what I have done:
1- Ordered a diesel purge kit
2- Ordered valve stem seals, and a valve adjustment kit
3- Checked all fuel connections, replaced hoses and filters.
4- Changed the oil and have watched for consumption for the last 700 miles (no significant consumption)
5- Checked the coolant for signs of oil and vice-versa (none)
6- Crack tested the injectors to see if that could be causing the rough idle.
7- "Oil cap test" for blow by (it barely tea-kettles)
8- Replaced air filter (the old one was nearly new, but I put the brand new one in just in case)
9- Replaced all glow plugs

Here is what I plan to do:
1- Adjust the valves
2- Check the turbocharger and replace gaskets
3- Run the diesel purge system

Here is what I will have done, or do myself if I can get enough info to feel confident:
1- Replace valve stem seals
2- Check and adjust or replace timing chain if needed

Kind of a long answer to your question, sorry

This might be better to post in another thread, but what can you tell me about the EGR system. I've seen on here that some people remove them entirely - what does that accomplish? Could the EGR system be a source of one or more of my problems? I know that it's hard to tell - which is why I just decided to run down an entire checklist of things before I attempted anything major, or any modifications such as bypassing the EGR.


Thanks
-JH

__________________
* 1984 300D-Turbo - Daily Driver
* In search of a good 81-84 300TD-Turbo Wagon

The EGR could be stuck open. I suggest taking a quarter and some rvt sealant and sealing up the EGR on the intake manifold.

DO NOT REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN as "maintenance". No where in the FSM does it say that they EVER have to be replaced and if you read around here they are the number one source of failures after such "maintenance" is done. Before you do anything else pull all the injectors have them pop tested and rebuild as needed. While you are in there check your PC balls. Rough idle has nothing to do with the turbo what so ever.

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1995 E420 Schwarz
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#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

I've heard of this being done, what will sealing it shut do?

Good to know - thank you.

Easier said than done - the closest place to have them tested is an hour drive from here. What about just replacing them?

Yeah, I am pretty sure the idle problem is not the turbocharger. I am almost sure that it is a valve adjustment and timing adjustment issue.

Thanks for your input.
-JH

__________________
* 1984 300D-Turbo - Daily Driver
* In search of a good 81-84 300TD-Turbo Wagon