Trick to Install Turbo?
 

Is there a thread explaining the best way to mount a turbo on an 85 California car? This is a Polish IQ test that I am flunking. You have to get the clocking correct for the turbo drain, and then rotate the turbo into the intake manifold coupler. Rotating the turbo into the intake manifold coupler is exceeding my intelligence quotient. What is the magic trick?

Basically, everything rotates around the center section. Loosen the row of bolts around the hot side and rotate as needed then retighten. I'll need to look at my stock turbo to give you more complete info but that's what comes to mind off the top of my head.



This pic may show the bolt area:


See the bolts in the center that go thru the straps? Loosen those and everything will rotate.


Dan

I have a 1985 CA, but only removed that turbo since I installed an earlier engine. I have removed and reinstalled a 1984, so similar issue. The turbo drain is 1.5" longer on the 1985 CA engine, so your fitting task is even easier. Don't worry about the drain tube while clocking since it has O-rings and is forgiving. Without gaskets and O-rings, and with the center section loose (both sides), bolt the turbo to the exhaust flange (slightly tight). Rotate the center section until the oil supply flange fits parallel. Rotate the compressor section until centered in the intake manfold. Mark clockings w a Sharpie. Remove the turbo and tighten the section clamps to spec.

It is fairly easy to work the turbo on the drain tube as you install it on the engine, at least compared to trying to install the drain tube with turbo installed (possible but frustrating). Now is the time to replace the big black tube grommet at the top of the upper oil pan, especially if the rubber is hard. Use new O-rings on the drain tube. I used HBNR (green, "for AC") since better than nitrile (Buna-N). Viton would be even better if you could find ones that large.

With a stock turbo you can use the factory oil drain tubing. However, on my new BIG turbo the stock bits no longer make up and I'm using a 3/4" (19mm) ID oil-safe hose and just a stub of the stock and bottom fittings to slide the hose over. Remember that the drain has very little (virtually zero) pressure so it's not too fussy. After I work out the mountings I'll post pics.


Dan

What I do not understand is are you guys installing the turbo as a single unit, exhaust snail-center section-cold air section, or are you installing the exxhaust sail, then the center section and bolting it in place in the car, then install the cold air section and bolt it in place?

It seems like you are getting all three sections "clocked" , bolting the sections together, and then installing the whole thing back into the car as a single unit. Is that right?

I mount mine assembled. As noted, you might need to loosen the bolts that allow rotation, install the turbo, clock and mark the pieces, remove the assembly and tighten the bolts, then do the final installation. I've done this repeatedly and this has worked for me but I'm not installing mine in a Mercedes body so your results may vary.


Dan