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Turbocharger reliability 850 1997

Hi there,
I do not ever recall seeing a turbocharger message here, so I'd like to ask about their reliability.
In particular, how reliable is the GLT (ligt pressure) turbo? I know that Klaus once respoded that these do not "break," but how long can these parts last before they fail/seize up? Wouldn't the part have to break at some standard mileage or age point, since I understand to be the turbo to be a spinning part?
Thanks, because I' dliek to buy another 850, and I was hesitant about getting aturbo model for the reasons above.
Good day,
Ken








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Turbocharger reliability 850 1997

The biggest complaint is that after 125,000 miles or so, the outer oil seal will start to let oil through to the charged air. Not enough to hurt anything, just makes a small mess under the intercooler weep hole.

There are rebuild kits for around $100, to put new seals back in. Unlike the 700/900 turbos, these are built to last a very long time.

Of course, there are some who have turbos go out on them, but even a rebuilt turbo isn't that expensive. The best preventative is to not push the engine for the last mile home and let the turbo cool off.

What costs is to have the AC evaporator spring a leak or a head gasket failure.

Klaus
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Praying for Cynthia Amendt, heaven bound








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Turbocharger reliability 850 1997

Klause, I have been reading about oil getting into the housing and causing tons of grayish/white smoke after the car has been idling like at a stoplight or in traffic. Would one of the rebuild kits address that?








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Turbocharger reliability 850 1997

If the turbo is the cause of that, yes. But that would mean that you are going through a lot of engine oil. If you remove the lower intercooler hose from the IC and get only a table spoon of oil, then I suggest having the headgasket checked for a leak of antifreeze.

Watch both fluid levels closely.

Klaus
--
Praying for Cynthia Amendt, heaven bound







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