I will just ask this here since i need quick opinions. Picked up a redtop sr20det for my project from a engine wholesale distributor. Was looking over the engine and checked the turbo for shaft play it has a little play. Left/right, up/down no in/out. Iv looked around and people have said minimal shaft play is fine as long as it isn't in/out also heard you don't want any shaft play. I just wanted to get a second opinion. Should i replace the turbo or will i be okay? Thanks for the help.

 

Well, I can't give you an exact spec for how much shaft play is excessive, you just get a feel for it after a while. For the most part just look at the blades on the compressor wheel and see if any of them show damage from contacting the housing. Also check the housing just around the wheel and see if there has been any contact at all.

Axial (in/out) shaft play is very bad though, you really don't want any of that. On ball bearing turbos, a bit of play is normal.

Actually, now that I think of it, I think there is a turbocharger section in the Z32 FSM, which gives you shaft play tolerance specs for the turbo's using a dial indicator. If you can get a hold of one and get the info from that FSM that would be a good place to start.

 

most turbos will have a little shaft play, once it fills up with oil, it wont move as much

 

I'm surprised no one made a ***** joke.. lol

 

^ I think you just did... if not "so is that what the kids call it these days?" lol