[noidex]

My DPs are currently off of the car and the rear turbo wheel spins really nicely. Can't say the same for the front, it's hard as rock, I can't even get it budge with a screwdriver.
Is the turbo seized and is there anything I can do except for replacement?
I need to drive to the 24h Nürburgring race on the 29th so I am short on time :/

Note: It can drive but is painfully slow (~120HP) and uses 16,7l/100km on average (14mpg) so is very expensive to drive rn.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by noidex

My DPs are currently off of the car and the rear turbo wheel spins really nicely. Can't say the same for the front, it's hard as rock, I can't even get it budge with a screwdriver.
Is the turbo seized and is there anything I can do except for replacement?
I need to drive to the 24h Nürburgring race on the 29th so I am short on time :/

replace the core. But you'll need to remove the turbo. I guess you can do it with the manifold on the block , but this will be pain.

check the oil feed and return line. Turbos dont jamm like this.

best case, something blocked the cold side compressor, like a bolt or something. Check the intake side.

other option, you can get used . Got mine on sale for months @ 150$, low mileage, and a guy just jumped on it and wanted it NOW for a similar reason as you. he was happy.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

That's crazy though your car was running fine no codes with one seized turbo?

[noidex]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

replace the core. But you'll need to remove the turbo. I guess you can do it with the manifold on the block , but this will be pain.

check the oil feed and return line. Turbos dont jamm like this.

best case, something blocked the cold side compressor, like a bolt or something. Check the intake side.

I found a used front turbo for 95€, might be my best bet since I suck at such advanced tasks. I definitely need to check why it seized, the previous owner told me the car just has a vacuum issue :/

[noidex]

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

That's crazy though your car was running fine no codes with one seized turbo?

NOPE! It is insanely slow, as slow as a 90HP civic I raced to 100kmh. It also uses 16,7l/100km / 14mpg and keeps going into limp mode and throws 30FF. I first thought it was the wastegate which can't even close properly but if the turbo is seized that is the least of my concerns.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by noidex

I found a used front turbo for 95€, might be my best bet since I suck at such advanced tasks. I definitely need to check why it seized, the previous owner told me the car just has a vacuum issue :/

classic, easy to say when most old N54 got vacuum issue anyway.

This is easy replacement scope wise, but time consuming, like big time.

Took me 1.5 h removing only 1 turbo on a N54 summer driven and low mileage. anndddd the engine was OUT of the car!

coolant lines and oil lines were pain, trying no to break it.

a shop will bill you around day for sure.


used wont be hard to find. most n54 got upgraded turbos anyway

[noidex]

Originally Posted by oVeRdOsE.

classic, easy to say when most old N54 got vacuum issue anyway.

This is easy replacement scope wise, but time consuming, like big time.

Took me 1.5 h removing only 1 turbo on a N54 summer driven and low mileage. anndddd the engine was OUT of the car!

coolant lines and oil lines were pain, trying no to break it.

a shop will bill you around day for sure.


used wont be hard to find. most n54 got upgraded turbos anyway

:/

Sound like a pain, I managed to somehow get the downpipes off with all those rusted bolts but that was the most I can do.
I think I'll get my friend to do it, he's a mechanic.

But how can I diagnose what caused the turbo to become seized? It's drenched in oil but seems fine otherwise.

I even drove 2000km with the turbo in this condition.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by noidex

:/

Sound like a pain, I managed to somehow get the downpipes off with all those rusted bolts but that was the most I can do.
I think I'll get my friend to do it, he's a mechanic.

But how can I diagnose what caused the turbo to become seized? It's drenched in oil but seems fine otherwise.

I even drove 2000km with the turbo in this condition.

this is not common. so hard to say.

common reasons : heat or object blocking it or hit it and bent something.

so inspect the turbines, and check coolant lines and oil lines.

[NZE90]

They usually seize due to a blocked or partially blocked oil feed tube. Have seen this problem on many BMWs. BMW released a PuMA on the subject because dealers were replacing turbos, and leaving the old oil feed line on. The turbo would then seize again, shortly after replacement.

Replace the oil feed if replacing the turbo.

[oVeRdOsE.]

Originally Posted by NZE90

They usually seize due to a blocked or partially blocked oil feed tube. Have seen this problem on many BMWs. BMW released a PuMA on the subject because dealers were replacing turbos, and leaving the old oil feed line on. The turbo would then seize again, shortly after replacement.

teflon tape or even the infamous belt shredding and get sucked by the engine.

[noidex]

Originally Posted by NZE90

They usually seize due to a blocked or partially blocked oil feed tube. Have seen this problem on many BMWs. BMW released a PuMA on the subject because dealers were replacing turbos, and leaving the old oil feed line on. The turbo would then seize again, shortly after replacement.

Replace the oil feed if replacing the turbo.

Is there any way to test the current oil feed tube? Seizing my new-ish turbo doesn't sound great. A replacement is 35€ so it's definitely in my budget.

[NZE90]

Not really. The rubber hose commonly falls apart on the inside of the hose, so you can't see it. Just replace it.

[oVeRdOsE.]

you can test if it's 100% blocked, but hard to test if it's partially blocked.

- undo the hose
- put a bucket to catch oil
- unlplug fuel pump or injectors.
- crank

oil will spit out.