Removing turbos

[malc350]

Not that I want to do this unless I have to...

but I've been told by a couple of TT owners over here that removing the turbos is one of the worst jobs ever, even worse than the intake manifold job I've just done.

Apparently there's a nut you can't get to so the bolt turns though one guy told me he welded the nut to keep it in postion so now removal is easier.

I'm just wondering (as I tighten up my exhaust manifolds again to get rid of the "tick") if you remove the exhaust manifold with turbo attached does that make the job a lot easier?

 

[8388]

The nuts that hold the turbos are 17mm if I'm not mistaken, it's been awhile. The problem is that Callaway used locking style nuts and they tend to be very stubborn to come off, add to that scenario not enough room to get to them and it becomes a real PITA. I've had both my turbos down so I know 1st hand. What I did to help the situation, was to go back with some stainless nuts and stainless lock washers instead of the locking nuts. Once you break loose the nuts you can go back and losen them the rest of the way with you fingers. An impossibility with locking nuts. Also as with every nut and bolt I have ever turned on these cars, use some thread ease. Thread ease will help keep the threads protected and lubricated.

 

[*89x2*]

Malc - How goes the progress?? Did you wind up pulling the turbos??
Enjoy!

 

[malc350]

No I decided not to unless I really need to

I've been plagued with annoying oil leaks, one of which I thought was from te turbos but I bought some new oil line, clips, and bolts for the oil lines and installed them - no drips from the turbo areas now!

Also I have recently replaced my intake gaskets (yuk!) and the oil pressure sender which is where the killer oil leak was from.

Also tightened up the oil cooler (little loose) and replaced a valve cover gasket (don't know how my engine got so leaky!!!)

Unbelieveably there's still a small leak (just leaves a couple of drips on the garage floor) that the car's had since I bought it 2 years ago so I guess I'll live with that though I haven't a clue where it could be from - the oil pan is tight (who'd want to do that gasket?!) and there's not the slightest drip from the rear main (phew!)

Looks a little oily below the head gasket area (driver's side) but I've never heard of an external oil leak from the head gasket :confused

One thing I've found is these cars need real regular maintenance and tightening up of anything that can go loose - the highest nmaintenance vette I've owned but still fun!

Regarding the turbos a friend of mine had his rebuilt at a good price by a supposedly reputable company and I was thinking of having mine done as insurance but he's had a load of trouble with the company since so I'll leave it until I need it - should be a routine job for a turbo specialist anyway.