BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
Help: Possible Turbo Noise???[240-260/83] posted by Richard Swartz on
Thursday, 11 June 1998, at 7:38 a.m.
Ok where to begin. I just purchased another volvo (first one is 86 240 gl), 1983 240t (B21) with 173k. Brought the car to the shop for the super dooper bumper to bumber look over, Tranny reseal done, Fuel pump accumulator (cause of cold start problem) Trailing arm bushings, valve cover gasket and valve adjustment, O2 sensor, and new splash pan. Roger said usually on a car that old he has a much longer list. I thought I lucked out... Maybe I didn't.
Now I hear this noise, like a high pitched "ting" that is sustained when gas pedal is depressed (now I am). No smoke cloud is observed when car is accelerated or under load or the turbo is punched. Should I start saving for that rainy day and if so how much longer do I have???
I am partially mechanically inclined, I have lots of tools, but no garage, no electrical outlet , only two hands and general unfamiliarity with volvo's other than bring to Roger, give him money get the car back (major repairs only) as well as limited cash flow, I am a 3rd year Optometry student living in a dorm.
Need some advice and a little education.
p.s. I have searched through hundreds of threads on various subjects. any one ever notice alot of server errors..
Thank You all.
I have been useing the brickboard for the last 2 weeks, I find it very informative. I have even given the address to my Volvo mechaninic, Roger at the V-shop here in ft. Lauderdale
--Richard Swartz
Re: Help: Possible Turbo Noise???[240-260/83] posted by Mike on
Thursday, 11 June 1998, at 8:30 a.m.
If you have any evidence that this is the original
turbo, then you should start saving now - although
my preference would be to rebuild the one you have
while it still works (as long as the turbine hasn't
hit the turbo housing). Cost is much lower...although
these days you MIGHT be able to find a rebuilt one
for 400-500 that's decent.
The 240 turbo's weren't water cooled (in fact, that's
often a good way to tell if it's been replaced by
the dealer in the past few years - if it it water
cooled, you lucked out, but I doubt it) and you're
lucky it's still alive (mine died at 168k and the PO
was meticulous about oil changes and cool down).
Re: Help: Possible Turbo Noise???[240-260/83] posted by Robert Mohr on
Thursday, 11 June 1998, at 10:15 a.m.
A lot of turbos make noise. Some Garrett T3's are more noisy than others. I've heard it decribed as a "sewing machine" noise or a high pitched whine. Here's a few "quick and dirty" checks you can do:
Undo the clamps on the hose between the turbo compressor (the shiny, aluminum side of the turbo) and the intake manifold and pull the hose off. Is there a lot of oil in there?
A light coating of oil in this line is normal for a high mileage engine. Air compression turning the oil mist into liquid. Oil dripping out of the line isn't.
Undo the clamps on the hose between the turbo compressor inlet and the airbox and pull the hose off. Stick your finger in the inlet side of the turbo and wiggle the compressor wheel. Is there side to side movement? Can you make the turbine wheel contact the side of its casing? Does the wheel spin freely? Get a mechanic's mirror and inspect the blades. any signs they've been damaged?
The compressor turbine should spin freely, not contact the side of the compressor casing and should have very little play.
A blown turbo is characterized by boost taking forever to come on and then coming on suddenly (the blades bind and break loose). I've heard the wail of rubbing turbo wheels. It was a high pitched whine that turned into a shriek as the blades started touching. Bad turbos are also identified by a cloud of blue/black smoke from the exhaust pipe due to oil blowing past the bad bearing seals.
Hope this helps,
Bob Mohr
1983 242 B21FIT 172K
1992 245 B230F 130K
Re: Help: Possible Turbo Noise???[240-260/83] posted by Paul S. on
Thursday, 11 June 1998, at 11:52 a.m.
Also as I pointed out "turbo" noises don't mean turbo death.
Case in point:
My brand new factory rebuild Garrett seemed to be pretty "wheezy" at the upper end of boost.
(I replaced a bunch of stuff including my turbo at 187,000 miles in an effort to get another 100K out of a basically very sound motor/car - email or search by my name for notes on this project - something I would not start without a garage with power (at least) - although my car sat in my driveway 1" from the garage door whilst I fiddled - but I digress)
Turns out that my "turbo" noise emminates from three sources:
1) The new cat. coverter exhaust end pipe connection to the rest of exhaust system is not sealed well. I just slapped the steel seal ring in (crooked of course) because I soon plan on replacing the rest of the flow restricting exhaust system. Well, needless to say it can get pretty high pitched "whistley" from this escape passage.
2) On thing I DIDN'T replace under the hood is the turbo air/intercooler hoses. (I don't think yours is intercooled unless some upgraded...) Anyhow my hoses are pretty shot. To the point that one hose "opens" up under boost. There is a little slit. This allows a nice air pressure noise under the hood.
3)As Robert wrote some Garretts are louder than others, my new one is in the middle upper range of the pack for noise. Doesn't mean they are near death...just make a bit more noise.
My advice: Do the things Robert suggests. Make sure you don't have any intake or exhaust leaks. Drive your car and save your money - but don't replace parts unless you have to. I replace worn stuff because I DO have the money (barely), I DO have the space (sort of), I DO LOVE working on Volvo's (real therapy)and I think it's worth it to keep the car going. BUT, are a young student and you have no money (been there, done that!), a Volvo that gets you from point a to point b, and girls for therapy. (never did do enough of that)
Keep the questions posted, us updated and please desribe the noise better!!!
--Paul S. (Mr. Project 245T)
Re: Help: Possible Turbo Noise???[240-260/83] posted by Don Foster on
Thursday, 11 June 1998, at 12:49 p.m.
Richard ---
My '82 stock, non-intercooled Turbo produces a faint-but-pleasant whine, sort of like a jet in the distance. When I bought the car, it had a persistent high-speed "ticking" (I wouldn't have called it a "tinging", but my ears are different from yours). It turned out to be a bad exhaust manifold gasket -- caused by the ever-popular broken stud.
Have you looked for this?
Don Foster
Re: Help: Possible Turbo Noise???[240-260/83] posted by Chuck Jaxel on
Thursday, 11 June 1998, at 10:38 p.m.
My 83 turbo had that sort of noise and it was the exhaust gasket.The PO had
work done on the turbo,replaced with an updated water cooled unit.Whoever
did the work busted 2 of the studs,torqued the manifold back on and threaded
enough of the stud in the whole so it would look right.I first knew something
was up when I was searching for the noise and the lift eye was rattling around.
I pulled the manifold guard off and found the 2 broken studs and white residue
around the connection where it was leaking.After I took all this apart and
repaired the broken studs my noises were gone,even the jet engine noise.
I was told that noise was due to an air leak in one of the tubes going
to the intake.Now its all sealed up and running like a champ.Got a new wiring
harness coming for it and hopefully that will be it for awhile...
If you find turbo in good shape look for other loose items that could
be making the noise.Check areas where work has been done recently...
Chuck...VCOA 11095
82 244 DL 191k miles
83 245 GLT 220k miles
Re: Turbo Noise Fixed; I hope[240-260/83] posted by Richard Swartz on
Friday, 12 June 1998, at 5:48 a.m.
83' 244 t b21
First of all I would like to thank everyone who responded. I really appreciate the advice, skill and knowledge of all who helped me out.
These are the results of a careful inspection:
After removing the intake tube I noticed a "sugar coating appearance" no pools of oil but lightly dusting of oil that was clean and damp. wiped out the tube ends. The blue boot on the lower end was very very flexibe, too flexable and seperating at the clamp location, I swear I could have placed it over my mouth and breathed fine through it. went to the volvo dealer, paid $15 for new bright blue rubber piece put it on. have not heard the ting noise anymore, just what every one calls the normal range of noise from a garrett t3. Happy so far, got my fingers crossed, still saving for that rainy day.
I will post in a few minutes a new challenge for all new skilled friends.
Thank You
Rich
--Richard Swartz