well i took the filter off the turbo today...noticed some black buildup inside there...guessing that it was oil....i am able wiggle the shaft some, but how much play is normal? and what other ways can i tell if the turbo is blown???

How much shaft play is normal? I guess it depends on how much free time you have. But I wouldn't be concerned. I just read an article that says it may decrease your chances of getting prostate cancer.

Actually, I think you can expect a little shaft play on a normal 16G turbo. I think the bearings require some clearance for oil to reside in. Maybe 1mm from the centerline of the compressor shaft. If you have oil in the compressor housing, I would start to worry. While my 16G was failing, I had oil in the compressor inlet and outlet. It was shooting oil all around in my IC pipes. Then, it would barf out the BOV when I vented. A rebuild kit wouldn't solve it. I had to get it machined, rebuilt, and balanced. Now it is just fine.

Corbin

'95 ESI-T
HRC+FMIC+ETC...



Gimme fuel...Gimme fire...Gimme that which I desire

yeah when my t3-t04 went I was getting oil in my pipes and the shaft play was like 5 mm each way, something like that.. it was begining to scuff the outer walls of the compressor housing.

I also noticed about 1mm of shaft play with my S16G. I think 2mm is max.

doesn't seem to be the turbo....there is no oil in the IC pipe or from the BOV...and shaft play is 1mm or maybe less...