<VV> RE:rebuilding a turbo

[Kirby Smith]

grant young wrote:
> <You will need a turbo rebuild kit containing the needed seals and IIRC,
> the shaft nut. >
> 
> You will also need a few more tools and things - to do it correctly - :-),
> such as: 
> - safety goggles
> - a good dial indicator kit with stand and holder
> - VERY large snap ring pliers (not usually available in stores)
> - Air compressor and socket/ratchet tool to remove the impeller nut (see
> original note)
> - an hydraulic press
> - VERY thin feeler gauges
> - a toaster oven that will hit 450
> - large punch
> - note pad and pen to record gauge reading
> - mathematics ability with decimals
> - Vaseline (not for what you're thinking....)
> - torque wrench
> - 2 large C-clamps
> - Something to grind off the build up in the turbine housing
> - Rotating wire brush
> - Selection of good cleaning brushes
> - Something to clean the carbon out of the oil seal ring mounting slot
> - and possibly a selection of shims for the bearing and impeller adjustments
> - ability to decipher a less than perfect shop manual with pictures that
> don't always match the text
> - VERY good hand cleaner
> - patience
> - bottle of peroxide (for what you're thinking)
> - Etc.
> The Carb/turbomeister
> 
Admittedly, my list wasn't exhaustive.  I vaguely recall the shims came 
from somewhere, and I thought it was the seal kit, but maybe they were a 
different part number.  I didn't have a hydraulic press then, and don't 
recall (now) using an oven.  The nut came off with hand tools, but it 
was admittedly put on only a few years earlier and corrosion was 
minimal.  Some mechanical ability required, and the other items would be 
expected of anyone doing mechanical work.

Glass bead blasting is a good way to handle the build up in the turbine 
housing.  I believe I used a cabinet blaster at work, but open air 
blasting (using glass beads) with the sand blaster that everyone should 
own should be fine.  (Mask mating surfaces.)

I infer from your sig that you likely do turbo repairs.  (I have little 
historical context on this list.)  My suggestions are not intended to 
imply that the home mechanic can do a better job than the specialist, or 
even a less expensive job in many cases, but in this case I think he can 
do a sufficient quality job while learning something useful, just as 
those on this list performing engine builds, body repairs, and gas tank 
replacements are doing instead of using professionals to do all aspects 
of their projects for them.

I encourage the originator of this question to seek professional help if 
he finds the project too daunting or, due to age of the turbo, more 
complex than the service manual assumes.

kirby