Rebuilding turbos

I have a turbo that I plan on rebuilding soon. It is an MHI Evo 3 16g with good seals and should be in good working order but it some shaft play side to side shaft play and I feel like a rebuild would be beneficial. Turbos have always been an area of interest for me and Im hoping to learn how to rebuild them will be a skill I can use for the rest of my life.

Im considering this kit. (maybe you know of a cheaper source but I want OEM) http://cgi.ebay.com/Turbo-Rebuild-Kit-Genuine-Mitsubishi-TD05-TD06-16G-18G-/320711724475?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4aabe88dbb
As well as a snap ring pliers and other tools needed for the job.


If any of you have rebuilt turbos or have any input feel free to speak up!

you can buy a good used turbo for that.

What that guy said ^

A good used turbo for $130... Feel free to send me a link.

Besides, it seems like a reasonable project and I want to see if I can do it.

they be all over craigslist yo why would you want that turbo anyways.

The only turbos in that price range on cl are ebay knockoffs.

The MHI 16g turbos are cheap, available, a direct reolacement for my car, and capable of meeting my realistic power goals. Therefore a good choice for me.

I would look up Evergreen Turbo. If you call, speak to Charlie. He does amazing work (rebuilds, customization, ect) AND he's fast on shipping and work.

I'd be hesitant rebuilding a turbo myself. simply because of balancing issues.

Some side to side play is normal as long as the impeller wheel isn't scraping the compressor inlet. In and out play is a warning sign of a bad unit.

eLetoR wrote:

Some side to side play is normal as long as the impeller wheel isn't scraping the compressor inlet. In and out play is a warning sign of a bad unit.

What he said. Atleast that's the guideline we go by on big diesel engines.

x2 on a little side to side and no in and out. 107 for a genuine rebuild kit isn't bad considering good condition evo3's go for about 300-350 last time I saw(could be way off now). I would try Kamak turbo on ebay with the "superback" thrust bearing rebuild kit. When you start to run more boost(25psi or more) it tends to pull the compressor forward and overpower the stock thrust bearing causing premature in and out play.

Thanks Peepers! Good info to have.

I am aware that some play is normal especially when it doesnt have oil in it but mine has a good 3mm of play in it. It doesnt appear to be contacting the compressor housing. I would hate to get my car together and have to pull it apart again plus wait for parts for something like that.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/KAMAK-Turbo-Rebuild-Kit-Mitsubishi-TD05H-TD06-16G-20G-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4a9be9c65cQQitemZ320443369052QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I would re-use your factory turbine seal if it isn't smoking or show signs of smoking (oily residue between CHRA vband and turbine or the tubine and housing itself). Everything else was great for me. Mark the shaft, nut, and compressor then go to town. Be aware that some of them are left hand thread, although I think it's just early 14b's.

If all else fails, I think that Diesel Injection Service can balance a turbo for you on the cheap. I know they work with Garrett and Holset turbos on a daily basis, and I've even bought seal kits from them in the past.

I think I will be able to reuse the seal as the turbo appears to be free of residual oil. The Kamak kit looks like it fits my needs.

Based upon what I have picked up from other sources you are correct about the left hand threads on 14bs. Some say to mark the shaft and compressor for balancing purposes but others say its not a need. I plan to do it anyway.

Do it anyway since you can use the three marks as a "torque spec" when you tighten the nut back down to the compressor. Most MHI turbos are component balanced meaning everything was balanced separately so the net balance should be within tolerance once it all comes together. I have swapped compressors onto different turbine shafts without issue. YMMV

Dude, its too hot for turbos.