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Another question.

I am paranoid about my turbo's going. The car is relatively low mileage (ie 70k) but not sure quite how it has been driven previously. I always wait for oil temperature before going above 2,000 rpm but no guarantees that the previous 2 owners have done the same!

So, what does the dreaded turbo smoke look like - when does it occur, does it clear when warm? I want to be able to look out for the signs!

And, what causes this smoke?

And how much to change out the KO3's?

Thanks in advance once again.

Yes, there are many factors affecting turbo life so without the history it is unknown.

K03s have an oil bearing so when oil gets in the exhaust it could be because they are dying. However there's oil in the engine too, so signs of oil in the exhaust (blue/black cloud mainly when starting the engine) might mean other reasons than impeding turbo failure.

The other test is to listen to the sounds of the turbos spooling. Wind down your window and apply light throttle. They should give a light whistle sound which disappears as they speed up (and go ultrasonic). With the window back up you should not be able to hear it. If you can hear it with the windows up, and/or it sounds more like a siren than a whistle, and/or it sounds 'metallic' like a dentist drill, these are all signs of bad turbos.

Turbos need to be replaced in pairs and most people will remove the engine to do it. Typically this will cost about 3 grand parts & labour, but of course that will vary from place to place.

I want to be able to look out for the signs!

that will drive you mad..just enjoy the car and its performance..when they fail your,ll no..

s4woody wrote:

I want to be able to look out for the signs!

that will drive you mad..just enjoy the car and its performance..when they fail your,ll no..

Agree - you'll know alright. When it's warmed up drive it like you stole it and stop worrying. It sounds harsh but if you can't afford the dreaded if it ever happens you should reconsider having the car.

You get alot of oil "breathed" from the engine, ...... alot can gather in yr intake side, ic's, it also can sit in the bottom of the turbos and can weep out the seals a little into the hot side, so when you start yr lump it will pick up this excess and burn it .... just see if the amount of smoke is consistent on start ups ... or get big fat snails fitted coz u want too ....

[quote="b14"]Another question.

I am paranoid about my turbo's going. The car is relatively low mileage (ie 70k)
Mines done 82K

but not sure quite how it has been driven previously. I always wait for oil temperature before going above 2,000 rpm but no guarantees that the previous 2 owners have done the same!

So, what does the dreaded turbo smoke look like - when does it occur, does it clear when warm? I want to be able to look out for the signs!

It will go like a Rover 25 with the plugs out and will cover the road in white smoke.


And, what causes this smoke?
Burning Oil

And how much to change out the KO3's?

Just done mine, 2.5K all in with K04's!!/quote]


Enjoy it till it goes pop!

[quote]And how much to change out the KO3's?

Just done mine, 2.5K all in with K04's!!/quote]

Was this doing the work yourself or did a garage do it for you?

Doing the work myself!

Any what flavour of KO4 did you go for?

Here's a clip of an A6 with blown K03's - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aDoGb4oh8E

Mine weren't quite as dramatic when they went, but there was a lot of smoke.

b14 wrote: I always wait for oil temperature before going above 2,000 rpm .

Now that's warming it up gently!

Cheers guys.

It still goes like hell with my foot down when up to temperature and doesn't make any noises so I think all is well!

The main worry with turbo's going is that it might leave me stranded somewhere - the only other worry is that I would have replace with K03's as the insurance hike for me putting K04's on would be ridiculous!

No worries. I shall take your advice and drive it like I stole it until it explodes underneath me

b14 wrote:The main worry with turbo's going is that it might leave me stranded somewhere - the only other worry is that I would have replace with K03's as the insurance hike for me putting K04's on would be ridiculous!

No worries. I shall take your advice and drive it like I stole it until it explodes underneath me

You could always join the RAC/AA, they'll get you and the car home if the snails go bang.

As for driving it like you stole it... it probably won't help you getting your insurance premium down next year

I was on the way to the blackwall tunnel racing an evo when mine went. Managed to limp back home, smoke coming from the exhaust was ridiculous, came into the car through every gap possible even at higher speeds. Parts and labour came to around roughly 3k. Sourced turbos from the states, cost around £1,200 including import duty, £300 cheaper than here. You can still drive the car when the turbos go but not very fast and be prepared to smoke out the whole block.

Blower wrote:You can still drive the car when the turbos go but not very fast and be prepared to smoke out the whole block.

Wouldn't advise it. If your compressor blades shatter, you could have shards of metal forced into your engine.