Hi all,

I'm swapping engines in my 300D's (daily driver & parts car). This weekend I removed some parts (exhaust downpipe, airbox, heat shield, PS pump, A/C compressor, manifold hose, rad, condensor, coolant hoses).

After this was done I had a clear view of the turbine wheel/turbo. The blades on the turbine look to be in good condition. But, I cannot spin them with my hand. It appears stuck. There was also oil that looked to be dripping down from the turbo onto the bottom of the engine (from when it was running). Dave M has this condition one of his Garrett turbo's. Its "leaky" but works.

With this discovery, I went out to my daily driver and looked at the turbo. Its blades were very slightly marred (279Kmi vs 175Kmi of the parts car), it was not leaky, and I could NOT move its blades either. Right before this car was hit by a deer the engine was running VERY strong so I have reason to belive the
turbo was working/will work just fine.

What am I doing wrong - why won't the blades spin with my finger?

Thanks,

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Brian Toscano

I'll copy the same reply I sent to the email list:

My used 617 turbo from the junkyard would spin freely after sitting for weeks/months. Every good turbo I've touched (603/617) will spin freely with one finger, AND spin a turn or two after you let go. With the engine idling, the impeller should be spinning fast enough to be a blur (although no boost is produced). Something sounds really weird, as the turbo on your "good" car (279kmi) should spin freely!! I don't get that! Unless it was damaged in the accident? Not likely. Hmmm....



Good luck,

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