First-timer here - turbo noises and smoke issues.

Kuanos · 08-20-2009, 03:17 AM

Just bought an 87 turbo with 101,000 - rebuilt turbo, 60 trim, new steel HG, Lexus AFM, upgraded injectors, ARP bolts and studs, 3" exhaust, and RPS 3 stage clutch. I'm having what goes beyond "clutch chatter" in my mind - a squealing, like loose belts near front of engine along with a burning smell. Also, when even mildly accelerating, I get what sounds like a pinging - like a ringing alarm bell, like the fan is rubbing metal, coming from near the turbo (upfront, around the afm), coupled with serious loss of power. Should have 327 hp - probably don't even have stock hp right now. The day I picked it up the seller says that "just that day" the wastegate started sticking. He had it checked, told me how to fix, and even offered to pay for it if it turned out worse. Also, with it having a 3" exhaust with no cat, the seller claimed that a little smoke is normal, but now the smoke seems to be a lot worse, which also points to a bad turbo. So, I take it to my ASE mechanic and with these noises it makes and the smoke, he is fairly sure I'm headed for a blown engine, or at least a bad turbo already. It's a shame, cuz this car is beautifully clean with custom leather and '98 TT wheels. Also a shame for me to have to pursue a charge-back to my credit card and have to give it back to this guy. Any thoughts or help?? Please give advice. Thanks.

08-20-2009, 03:17 AM	#1
Kuanos Stock Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 7	First-timer here - turbo noises and smoke issues. Just bought an 87 turbo with 101,000 - rebuilt turbo, 60 trim, new steel HG, Lexus AFM, upgraded injectors, ARP bolts and studs, 3" exhaust, and RPS 3 stage clutch. I'm having what goes beyond "clutch chatter" in my mind - a squealing, like loose belts near front of engine along with a burning smell. Also, when even mildly accelerating, I get what sounds like a pinging - like a ringing alarm bell, like the fan is rubbing metal, coming from near the turbo (upfront, around the afm), coupled with serious loss of power. Should have 327 hp - probably don't even have stock hp right now. The day I picked it up the seller says that "just that day" the wastegate started sticking. He had it checked, told me how to fix, and even offered to pay for it if it turned out worse. Also, with it having a 3" exhaust with no cat, the seller claimed that a little smoke is normal, but now the smoke seems to be a lot worse, which also points to a bad turbo. So, I take it to my ASE mechanic and with these noises it makes and the smoke, he is fairly sure I'm headed for a blown engine, or at least a bad turbo already. It's a shame, cuz this car is beautifully clean with custom leather and '98 TT wheels. Also a shame for me to have to pursue a charge-back to my credit card and have to give it back to this guy. Any thoughts or help?? Please give advice. Thanks. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Kuanos; 08-20-2009 at 05:48 AM.