One for the mechanically minded, anybody with a car replaced a turbo before?

[speccy1]

I`ve got a 2001 Vauxhall Astra diesel and have only just found out why it`s drinking oil - it`s leaking through the turbo, not a good diagnosis.

I`m trying decide if it`s new turbo or new car, if a turbo is £50 and I can replace it myself I`ll do it, if it`s silly money and a major job I`ll scrap it, as it`s worth f*** all.

I`m not scared of getting stuck in, I`ve worked on cars before, and have an engineering based job.

Anybody done anything similar?

 

[Drago]

Yes. Probably not difficult, but access may be tricky.

 

[Crandoggler]

Fairly simple job mate.

The price is an issue. You could buy one for £50, but it could do the same. Obviously the oil seals have gone if its chugging oil.

Probably worth a punt at under £100. You'll need new gaskets I'd imagine.

You may encounter some shearing of bolts when removing them from the exhaust manifold, but if you soak them enough and have a bit of luck, you might be ok. I'd look at getting new bolts as well.

If access isn't a problem, you're looking at 3 hours to ham fist a new one, 2 hour if you know what you're doing and nothing goes wrong.

 

[TVC]

Just google 'replacing turbo on astra' and take your pick of forum discussions and youtube clips. I find most questions on cars are covered widely, often with several step by step guides.

 

[speccy1]

Fairly simple job mate.

The price is an issue. You could buy one for £50, but it could do the same. Obviously the oil seals have gone if its chugging oil.

Probably worth a punt at under £100. You'll need new gaskets I'd imagine.

You may encounter some shearing of bolts when removing them from the exhaust manifold, but if you soak them enough and have a bit of luck, you might be ok. I'd look at getting new bolts as well.

If access isn't a problem, you're looking at 3 hours to ham fist a new one, 2 hour if you know what you're doing and nothing goes wrong.

Luckily, it`s right at the top of the engine, almost sat on the exhaust manifold. I am wary of 2nd hand ones though, with not knowing the history, but worth a gamble at what they cost (£50 to £100 on ebay). Also not sure if the oil feeds are pressurised etc and if there is any setting up to be done? All unknown territory to me

 

[Crandoggler]

Well you'd want to drain the oil anyway. So no pressure to worry about whilst replacing it.

The steps are fairly simple:
Remove fairings for access
Remove air feeds
Remove oil feeds
Note oil input
Remove turbo
Clean manifold and mating head area
Replace gaskets
Fit new turbo
Prime turbo by injecting (pouring a 50ml or so) into the oil input whilst turning the turbo by hand
Replace oil feeds
Replace air feeds
Fit sump plug and new gasket
Fill with oil
Start engine.

I'm not a car mechanic, but in fairly sure that's the easiest, whilst staying relatively safe way of fitting it.

 

[Crandoggler]

What's the worst that can happen?

 

[speccy1]

Well you'd want to drain the oil anyway. So no pressure to worry about whilst replacing it.

The steps are fairly simple:
Remove fairings for access
Remove air feeds
Remove oil feeds
Note oil input
Remove turbo
Clean manifold and mating head area
Replace gaskets
Fit new turbo
Prime turbo by injecting (pouring a 50ml or so) into the oil input whilst turning the turbo by hand
Replace oil feeds
Replace air feeds
Fit sump plug and new gasket
Fill with oil
Start engine.

I'm not a car mechanic, but in fairly sure that's the easiest, whilst staying relatively safe way of fitting it.

Thanks Crandoggler

 

[speccy1]

[QUOTE 4198459, member: 45"]
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4sH4pLlSRo[/QUOTE]
LOL!

 

[mr messy]

Unless can get proof 2nd hand turbo good you will probably be throwing away your £100. If you can check before buying you are looking for any play in the fanny bits inside. Recon turbo probably 300 notes. Car is basically scrap (£20/ton mixed metal if lucky) unless you have a particular attachment to it.

 

[midlife]

The last turbo change on my Impreza was Deadbolt TDO5 18g..... made my nose bleed for the cost!

Seriously thought is there a non franchised Vauxhall place near you that can help? They can be way cheaper than a Vauxhall garage.

Shaun

 

[Levo-Lon]

You often find the bolts are siezed and sheer..enjoy

 

[JoeyB]

I did the turbo on my old Astra Coupe Turbo. I spent a few quid though as I bought a brand new VXR turbo unit and then sent it off to be uprated and strengthened first.

Important part from memory was to prime the turbo before running the car. Failure to do so can result in premature failure I believe.

 

[speccy1]

I`m going right off this idea based on what I`m reading!!

I think Autotrader, or no car could be a good option................

 

[subaqua]

What's the worst that happens.

Well the oil seals fail and then the engine runs on the oil from the engine till it fails spectacularly as the only way to stop it is put car in top gear and lift clutch pedal to stall it.
There's loads of YouTube vids. The supra above is not a bad example . Scary as F when it happens.

You can get a recon turbo for a few hundred notes and if you are competent then do the change. Just don't leave it with no repair