Turbo oil feed and return pipes- Replace or not?

[STU3Y]

Created this in the turbo forum but it doesn't really get many views so thought would add it here aswell.

I am having a new turbo fitted on Monday due to possible bearing failure. I know that it is recommended to replace the oil lines, however a lot of career mechanics including a highly recommended independent vag specialist have said they will only replace them if damaged during removal.

They have stated that if cleaned thoroughly with petrol or similar and blown through with an air compressor they will be clean and therefore won't need replacing.

What are peoples thoughts?

 

[MJ]

As long as they're not kinked or damaged then clean them and re fit.

New gaskets are a must.

 

[STU3Y]

As long as they're not kinked or damaged then clean them and re fit.

New gaskets are a must.

Hi, thanks, I see you reply to a lot of threads and seem to know what you are doing, do you mind if I ask what your background is? Also I'm guessing turbo technics will supply the gaskets with the turbo?

 

[MJ]

VAG Master technician 12 years +

Turbo technics tend to come with a fitting kit.

 

[STU3Y]

Cool thanks. Slightly off topic for this thread but can you comment at all on the video I posted on the "what did you do to your mk2" thread earlier, particularly regarding the flutter that can be heard on lift off?

 

[MJ]

It's the turbo on its way out.

 

[STU3Y]

So you think the flutter will disappear along with the siren noise once its done then?

 

[MJ]

Yep.

 

[STU3Y]

As long as they're not kinked or damaged then clean them and re fit.

New gaskets are a must.

What method of cleaning would you use?

 

[MJ]

Brake cleaner and compressed air usually does the trick.

 

[STU3Y]

Thanks, hopefully the mechanic does what he said he will and the new one will last as long as the car. Then I'll finally be able to drive it the way I'm trained

 

[MJ]

I fitted a £250 recon unit off eBay, ran it for a week then flashed stage 2 software on it. No smoke - goes great!

 

[STU3Y]

That was my next question, is there any recommended running in period

 

[STU3Y]

I fitted a £250 recon unit off eBay, ran it for a week then flashed stage 2 software on it. No smoke - goes great!

Which seller did you buy from?

 

[MJ]

I'd give it a week for any teething problems to show. They were called united turbos.

 

[STU3Y]

Thanks, do you think failing turbo will cause much of a loss in mpg?

 

[MJ]

Messed up air to fuel ratios can have a large impact on it yes

 

[STU3Y]

Hopefully it will improve then. I'm considering an economy remap after if not

 

[STU3Y]

I swear I am jinxed, having dropped the car off this morning, had a call by 9 saying the garage cant do it today as the decision had been made not to replace the oil feed, however I queried this today due to the turbo technics warranty and the garage have phoned them and they have insisted it has to be done. The Garage couldnt source the feed pipe so have ordered one in for tomorrow and said i can either pick car up and drop off tomoz or claimed they would start car today and finish tomorrow, I agreed to the latter. Disappointed, I made a couple of calls and managed to find one in stock. 45 minutes later I phoned the garage back and they said it will have to wait till tomorrow now as they have put it off suggesting they are doing another job instead. I asked is there no way it can be done today, same answer. I am shocked considering it had been booked in for a week. What could they really have taken on/started in 45 minutes that would stop them doing mine. If it wasn't for wanting the turbo sager brought to an end I would go and collect my car and say forget it. It also suggests they lied about starting mine today.

 

[STU3Y]

Finally picked car up. All seems fine. Siren noise pretty much non existent. On inspection the turbo didn't seem to have any play but mechanic said there is a definately a problem as there was oil everywhere there shouldnt be. It is still suspected that it is worn bearings.

Oil feed was replaced too in the end due to warranty issues.

This is a quick recording of sound before and after.
Before
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqeEFPAFKSA
After
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9tsJ9-BeAg