1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
JJJ,
Hope all's well!
The turbocharger oil seals are piston ring type which have a gap and see service within a round bore. as the carbon steel seal wears, the gap will increase allowing for additional oil bypassing and smoke in the exhaust.
The only method of determining the seal gap is to remove the seal from the turbine shaft, install the seal into its service bore, and check the gap (just as you would do with an engine piston ring). The gap should be within .008" to .013" gap and no greater and can be determined using a standard feeler gauge.
We prefer the UK manufactured 360 degree stagger gap piston rings which will actually overlap in service (much like TOTAL SEAL piston rings)and will do a better job in eliminating oil bypassing over the standard gapped seal. The turbine seal is more expensive (we have them at $24) but these are a nice insurance against oil bypassing.
Jonathan makes a good point relative to turbocharger shaft play as some lateral play is normal. Thrust (available "in and out" movement of the shaft)is typically unacceptable and should require a rebuild.
Our T3 DIY rebuild kit would provide all bearing replacements, thrust components, oil seals, gaskets, hardware, etc. and come with full photo instructions for a simple overhaul of the OEM T3 Garrett turbocharger.
If you send us an Email directly, we could also forward our instructions to you for a view of what might need to be done. Most of our customers have completed the rebuild of the T3 turbocharger within 2-3 hours but time is relative to the ease of the units disassembly.
Best of luck and regards,
Gary K at SWEDISH DYNAMICS,INC.
SAAB PERFORMANCE PARTS
http://swedishdynamics.saabnet.com
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