I pulled the trap-oxidizer this morning, to remove more of the oxidizer substrate (matrix?) from the intake to the hot side of the turbo. This is the fourth time that I've had to do it since I have owned the car. The car has not had the recall work done, since it is a MBUSA warranty, and the car is presently in Canada. Mercedes Canada will not honor the US warranty.

This time, two large slivers of ceramic were jammed into the turbo inlet. They were about 4 inches long, an inch wide, and half an inch thick. They were stuffed into the upper side of the turbo inlet, leaving a rather small passage for the exhaust gasses on the lower side of the inlet. When I pulled them out, I realised that the exhaust flow had worn a hole in the lower side of the inlet, and I could see right through to the turbine beneath!

I checked the bearings by turning the cold-side impeller, and was saddened to find that the shaft has no radial or longitudinal play at all, and the cold side seals do not leak. It appears that I now have a perfectly good turbo, but the hot-side housing is worn out.

Will MBUSA replace my turbo if it has been damaged by the failure of the trap-oxidizer?