Smoking - turbo going?

[scottyb]

I think my stocker is going south. There is no up and down shaft play, but considerable in-and-out. It seems to be "spring-loaded", so it naturally springs back "in" when pulling the compressor wheel. It runs fine, but the car smokes heavily if I close the trottle under boost and it makes the flutter sound. I've been driving the car gingerly and paying close attention to the smoke. There is never any smoke under idle, startup, cold, hot, or even WOT (except perhaps some fuel - rich) as long as I let out of it slowly.

I get a puff of white smoke as said only when I close it and the turbo "farts". My theory is that the shaft is moving only under this condition when air pushes the compressor out, and oil is passing the turbo bearing/seal. Does this sound right?

I inspected the inlet side and see no evidence of oil.

I'll buy a TA49 if necessary. Money is tight, but I really want to upgrade. Before doing so, I want opinions or methods to confirm or disprove that the turbo is in fact the source of the smoke issue.

Also, should I consider bearing replacement if the turbo is the culprit, and does bearing replacement stop this play?

TIA,
Scott

 

[RUQWKNF]

Ummm.
If you have that much in and out play, that it feels like it is spring loaded, then the turbo is toast and it won't be long before the wheels rub on the housings to the point that the shaft will break. You need to have it repaired as soon as possible. When the wheels start rubbing the housings, metal particles will not only be blown into your motor, but the particles will work their way into your oil system and eventually down to the bearings in the motor. A little bit of up and down shaft play is normal due to the shaft riding on a cushion of oil. But you should have zero in or out play. I would not continue to drive the car with the turbo having that much play, nor would I even get into boost if I were forced to drive it. Either repair it now, or replace it with a new/upgraded turbo. It sounds like it's on it's last leg and about to cry uncle.
HTH

Patrick

 

[scottyb]

Thanks.
It's had in and out play for years. It had play when I did some porting/smoothing 4 years ago. I just noticed that it's greater now since I saw the smoke and started to inspect things.