checking a turbo is ok

[danp2]

Following on from another question, what are the best checks to see the turbo is OK on these cars?

Chap said he fitted (ebay) turbo a while ago and has happily done 1.5k miles since, and sounded like an honest bloke to me.

I have had a few cars in my time, but not had a turbo...would guess at these checks:

- blue smoke
- bad lag
- poor running
- poor performance
- lots of whine/odd noises?!

Presume there is no boost gauge?!

Guess I could see if he'd let me take it too a Seat garage, but that might be tricky to arrange etc

PS Sorry to be cheeky but anyone near Southampton/Winchester in Hampshire that wouldn't mind taking me for a quick spin?

 

[D3DNA]

Checking stuff like cold idle, i.e. engine from cold, smoking, whining on idle, unusual noises in general etc. When driving the turbo should start to spool from 1.5k, then be on boost from 2-2.5k. If the turbo is struggling and is only boosting higher in the rev range then either the air-filter is defunct or the turbo itself is tired.

 

[olliep]

check excessively loud whistle and the turbo/exhaust manifold bolts. (three bolts on top of the turbo) they work lose and can damage the thread in the turbo. (mine is in today gettin a whole new turbo unit for this reason). when boost peaks it sounds a bit like it would if your gearbox was about to go i guess. seems pretty common but rarely that significant.