Turbo removal
 

I've searched on this topic but can't find the answer I seek.

What appeared to be simple when I started has proven to be more difficult that expected:mad:

I assumed the best way to remove the turbo from my 617 engine would be to remove the 4 nuts that hold it to the exhaust manifold but that has turned out to be problematic. The 2 bolts on the rear closest to the firewall were easy. They came off with my fingers once I broke them loose but the 2 in the front, not so easy. I can't get to the bottom one and the top is out a good ways but I can no longer get my wrench on it properly.

So, is the answer just to remove the exhaust manifold and then get the turbo off when all is removed from the car? If so, are the 5 bolts visible on the top side of the manifold the only ones attaching it to the engine?

yes, the easiest way is to remove the manifold

That's my plan of attack for tomorrow after work then. I gave all 5 nuts a healthy dose of PB Blaster tonight so hopefully they will come off with little complaint.

It is just those 5 then? No secret bolts hidden away I hope.

There is also a single one going from the manifold to the engine mount.

If you have the Garrett turbo, you'll be fine pulling the manifold and all at once. If you have the KKK turbo with the wastegate pointing towards the right fender then the turbo has to come off first.

don't forget about the oil supply line

Thanks for the input guys.

I have the Air Research T3. I believe that = Garrett.

Oil supply line is already removed.

Buy a 17MM gear wrench. It makes removal much easier. I reccomend pulling the 4 nuts that hold it to the exhaust manifold, the two clamps on the "accordian" and the two bolts that hold the flange that is between the accordian and down pipe, then just lift it out.

While you're taking things apart, ask Brian Carlton about an EGR blocking kit and scoup that devil's food cake out of your intake manifold.

That was my original course of action but I've run in to some difficulty. I have a 17mm gear wrench but it won't fit into the space between the nut and the flange on upper front bolt.
I'm going to try removing the manifold today and see how that goes.

Weird, that is how I removed mine last weekend. Maybe I had more clearance due to my rotated compressor housing. The biggest pain when removing the manifolds is the support strut below the turbo. Get ready to curse…

Depends on which brand of gear wrench used, some are much larger than others.

True. I was using a gearwrench brand gear wrench. :D

Well, it was a battle but I got it off. I ended up taking off both the intake and exhaust manifolds. Which is fine because everything needs a thorough cleaning.

The one stubborn nut/stud giving me problems will have to be replaced. By the time I got the nut removed most of the thread on the stud was gone too. It looks like I should be able to unthread it from the manifold and replace it with a new one.

I will attack that later but first back to my original task, rebuilding the turbo.

I need to remove and rebuild the turbo on my 1991 350SD. Does anyone know if I can identify the turbocharger without removing it? Evidently, there's a tag with a part number somewhere. Can I find it with an inspection mirror? Assuming I can get this thing removed, is it possible to rebuild on a workbench? Are there any special tools or procedures involved?

Thanks in advance.

Greg

turbo removal/wastegate adjusting?
 

I am also considering removing the whole exhaust manifold as well as my few remaining golden locks of hair as I can't seem to gain access to my t3 turbo wastegate "inerds"! does anyone know the secrets to getting the damn retaining spring out to remove cover? I read here "two small screwdrivers" isn't doing it!? help please! I want to turn up my boost from 8lbs. to ? 13lbs? I know someone here has to know how frustrating "Hans and Franz" sometimes can be...thanks for any info./help! Mike