Slag from repaired header shoots through my turbo

[turbojimmy]

I'm pretty sure that's what it was. I had my header repaired locally. I should've walked away when the guy insisted that it was cast iron but I wanted it fixed. When I picked it up he said he 'burned through it' in a couple of spots while he was putting the heat shield back on. It didn't occur to me that there was a chance that there was slag in there waiting to drop off.

I bolted the header on and went for a ride. Before I could even get out of my 'hood I heard an odd screeching sound under acceleration. Of course when I stopped it stopped. When I revved it up I couldn't hear it. I started driving again and I heard it some more. I stopped again and popped the hood. This time I revved it up a lot and heard the noise and realized it was coming from the general area of the turbo. I'm pretty sure that's what it was. I turned the car around to go home and it didn't do it anymore. Went out for about a 10 mile ride and it seems to be fine (no more noise). Spools fine, too.

How would I know if I did any damage? Should I pull the downpipe and take a peek or just leave it alone?

Jim

 

[turbofrank]

pull downpipe and intake hose to turbo look at blades and check up/down
and side play.

 

[stickybones]

Wow Jim. Your luck is about as good as mine when it comes to these cars.

Funny you say that about the "cast iron" header. I took mine to the Midas...or Meineke...I don't remember which one is which there on 46 in Kenvil...to have them reshape the mouth where it bolts to the crossover because it was getting egg shaped and they told me they couldn't do it because it was cast iron and it would crack. I just "oh" and walked out. You just can't argue with the "experts".

 

[turbojimmy]

Wow Jim. Your luck is about as good as mine when it comes to these cars.

Funny you say that about the "cast iron" header. I took mine to the Midas...or Meineke...I don't remember which one is which there on 46 in Kenvil...to have them reshape the mouth where it bolts to the crossover because it was getting egg shaped and they told me they couldn't do it because it was cast iron and it would crack. I just "oh" and walked out. You just can't argue with the "experts".

I know - I just can't win. Midas is in Kenvil, Meineke is by the car wash in Ledgewood. I took it to Meineke. A guy that lives 'on the mountain' where I live runs the place. Unfortunately he wasn't there. I've never welded anything before but I'm thinking I could've done just as well. Blindfolded. Then he charged me $70 (an hour of labor). I should've asked beforehand, but usually they just have me throw a few bucks at the guy that did the work. I got bent over this time.

But, there are no leaks and it does not appear as if there's any immediate damage to the turbo. I just took it out for another romp and it's okay. It's weird not hearing that leak on the driver's side. I had gotten used to it not realizing it was an exhaust leak until recently - it's so quiet now.

I like the looks of Nick's headers. Maybe that will be a winter project.

Jim