Is this turbo done for? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Graplr · #1 05-21-2014, 03:04 PM

I just bought a 81 300TD to transplant the engine in to my 79. The turbo fins look mangled (see the pics). In the brief time I drove it before pulling the engine, it seemed the turbo took longer than normal to spool down. There is no play in the shaft. It is solid. What are your thoughts on whether I can use it as is, buy a new vane and r&r, or get a used turbo?

Thanks!

jt20 · #2 05-21-2014, 04:10 PM

Its pretty messed up.

It is most likely incredibly out of balance and will quickly wear out the bearings and start making contact - depending on how you drive. Basically, a time bomb and I'd want to see inside that engine too assess how much material has been added to the pistons now..

It will run for a while..... I'd rather not have to reinstall a turbo once the engine is in the bay, so I would find another one now. This would be cheaper than repairing that one which needs a new impeller wheel and balancing at the very least.

Graplr · #3 05-21-2014, 04:52 PM

I guess the next step is to disassemble the current turbo and see if anything else is worn or if it just has damage compressor fins. Maybe I can get away with just a new compressor wheel. Like I said there is absolutely no play in the shaft.

jt20 · #4 05-21-2014, 05:13 PM

If you put a new compressor on, it will have to balanced or you'll just end up with a longer lasting time bomb.

Thats a good option if you really like the shape its in otherwise.

Find a turbo shop and ask them if they'll balance a shaft for you.... there's usually at least one in each metro area.

If not, Ron's Turbo shop (Utah?) or Bell Turbo if you can find them.

mach4 · #5 05-21-2014, 05:18 PM

What jt20 said ^^

Turbos are quite reliable and trouble free. Just get a used turbo and don't screw around with yours. The good thing is that they're easy to evaluate and easy to inspect. Check for end play, look for signs of leaking and inspect the impellers for damage...all stuff you can do without opening it up.

The junk yard is your friend...especially on half off day sales!

Graplr · #6 05-21-2014, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jt20

If you put a new compressor on, it will have to balanced or you'll just end up with a longer lasting time bomb.

Thats a good option if you really like the shape its in otherwise.

Find a turbo shop and ask them if they'll balance a shaft for you.... there's usually at least one in each metro area.

If not, Ron's Turbo shop (Utah?) or Bell Turbo if you can find them.

I found one about 5 miles away from me and they have the T3 Compressor wheel for sale. If I go this route I'll probably buy it from them, do the r&r myself and then have them make sure it is balanced. They charge $55 to balance...sound normal?

jt20 · #7 05-21-2014, 07:41 PM

I've only done a couple, but that is reasonable. I'd make sure to open that turbo up before buying anything and inspect the shaft and the turbine wheel.

Seems a bit tragic not to at least refresh some seals while the turbo is apart. Especially on the exhaust side.

Graplr · #8 05-21-2014, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

What jt20 said ^^

Turbos are quite reliable and trouble free. Just get a used turbo and don't screw around with yours. The good thing is that they're easy to evaluate and easy to inspect. Check for end play, look for signs of leaking and inspect the impellers for damage...all stuff you can do without opening it up.

The junk yard is your friend...especially on half off day sales!

You say that like 617s are a dime a dozen! Not everyone lives in California.

I think I've seen 4 Mercedes diesels in the last 7 years in junk yards here and only 2 were a turbodiesel. There is a zero percent chance I will be able to inspect a used turbo before buying. I don't want to buy one online only to be at the same point I am now. So unless a forum member has one to sell or can check one out for me I am leaning towards the R&R route. And there is no such thing as half off days around here.

Graplr · #9 05-21-2014, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jt20

I've only done a couple, but that is reasonable. I'd make sure to open that turbo up before buying anything and inspect the shaft and the turbine wheel.

Seems a bit tragic not to at least refresh some seals while the turbo is apart. Especially on the exhaust side.

Yes, I am going to open it up next before I make any decisions. I think the seal kits are $50. If I rebuild it I might as well just do the seals too.

mach4 · #10 05-21-2014, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graplr

You say that like 617s are a dime a dozen! Not everyone lives in California.

I think I've seen 4 Mercedes diesels in the last 7 years in junk yards here and only 2 were a turbodiesel. There is a zero percent chance I will be able to inspect a used turbo before buying. I don't want to buy one online only to be at the same point I am now. So unless a forum member has one to sell or can check one out for me I am leaning towards the R&R route. And there is no such thing as half off days around here.

Yea, I made an assumption that obviously doesn't fit - sorry about that. Looks like your best bet, given your realities, might be to get a new impeller and rebuild.

Maybe someone on the forum has a good turbo they'd be willing to part with.

Graplr · #11 05-21-2014, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mach4

Yea, I made an assumption that obviously doesn't fit - sorry about that. Looks like your best bet, given your realities, might be to get a new impeller and rebuild.

Maybe someone on the forum has a good turbo they'd be willing to part with.

No worries man.

I wish I could run to the parts yard. BTW, my car was brought here from San Diego in 05ish. I found a parking stub for the La Jolla Hotel in the vent ducting when I was cleaning it. My mother-in-law lives in Ocean Beach and we go there at least once a year. My in-laws think I'm crazy when I get so excited every time I see or hear a 617. My wife is trained though...if she goes on her own she will send me pictures when she sees one!

I may try calling a few parts yards that have them for sale and available for shipping first and see if they will inspect and or send me pictures of the turbo for sale. But first I will open up my turbo and see what kind of shape everything else is in.

Graplr · #12 05-23-2014, 02:14 PM

I disassembled the turbo. Everything but the compressor wheel was in great shape. Something just got fed into it at one point. I did mark it too but when I went back to look for the marks they were gone! So that will be fun putting it back together. I could probably get away with just a compressor wheel and a balance. That would put me a bit over $100 into it. I found a salvage yard about 40 miles from me that has a turbo in stock. I just spoke with them on the phone and one of the guys is going to pull it off the shelf and then give me a call so I can ask about the condition of the blades and if there is any play in the shaft. They are asking $100 for it. So if it sounds good on the phone I will drive up and inspect it myself and if it is fine I'll probably go that route and keep my current turbo for a spare.

eatont9999 · #13 05-23-2014, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graplr

I disassembled the turbo. Everything but the compressor wheel was in great shape. Something just got fed into it at one point. I did mark it too but when I went back to look for the marks they were gone! So that will be fun putting it back together. I could probably get away with just a compressor wheel and a balance. That would put me a bit over $100 into it. I found a salvage yard about 40 miles from me that has a turbo in stock. I just spoke with them on the phone and one of the guys is going to pull it off the shelf and then give me a call so I can ask about the condition of the blades and if there is any play in the shaft. They are asking $100 for it. So if it sounds good on the phone I will drive up and inspect it myself and if it is fine I'll probably go that route and keep my current turbo for a spare.

I have read of a few cases where OM617 owners inadvertently fed their engine one of the little nuts that holds the air filter housing on. Not good food for an engine and the results show why.

Graplr · #14 05-23-2014, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eatont9999

I have read of a few cases where OM617 owners inadvertently fed their engine one of the little nuts that holds the air filter housing on. Not good food for an engine and the results show why.

Uhg....I hope that is not the case but one of the filter mounts is gone so it is possible.

charmalu · #15 05-24-2014, 12:51 AM

Yikes!!! Ya want to keep your Nuts out of the Turbo, might bend the Shaft.

Charlie