HX35 on my 98 started whining. Boost is down, not a leak. By the time I checked, oil was fine, shaft had a ton of play. Pulled my fuel adjustments all the way back to keep EGT in check, and have been babying it while I wait for a used turbo to show up. Anything else to think of? It's my only ride, and I am keeping it parked as much as possible, but do need it sometimes. Looking for a used HX35 so I can rebuild this as a hybrid 35/40.

 

truck has 225K also, can't blame the turbo for calling it quits.

 

I have 230k miles on mine, don't know if it's the original turbo or not but I sure hope she don't blow!
Keep letting it sit as much as you can. With a ton of shaft play, it's just a matter of revolutions before that seal blows out. Is the play vertical or horizontal? If you put pressure on it an you touch the compressor wheel to the housing?

 

A simple turbo replacement can lead to a full charged air system flush by taking everything apart using air, water and degreaser if that turbo does let go. I had my compressor wheel let go into 3 seperate pieces and had to clean the broken off fins out of my intercooler etc.
Looking back I wish I woulda never drove it. and parked it until the new turbo came.
Just my $0.02

 

esde, you do mean it had vertical play, right? Because horizontal play is normal, or so I hear.

 

You guys are confusing the terms here. Radial play (up, down, left, right) play is normal to feel. Too much will kill your seals. Axial play (in, out) is controlled by the thrust bearing and should be relatively tight. Typically .002 to .005".

 

Why not buy a rebuild kit for your existing turbo and fix it before it comes apart and makes a big mess. After all you are parking it off and on now so the little down time should not be a problem. Rebuild parts are not that expensive but when it fly's apart it can be.

 

So, My turbo is wrecked. I mean 1/8" or side to side play, so I assume the shaft is ******. Picking up a low mile HX35 tomorrow, from someone that upgraded, so should be back in the saddle. Saving these bits and the rebuild kit I ordered for a 35/40 hybrid. Thanks for the advice, I parked it.