3126 Ta turbo Question

[kvduff]

So I have twin 3126’s and they ended the season running well. Being that these turbos are nearly 25 years old,I have been thinking of removing them and bringing them in for inspection/rebuild. I do not have boost gauges installed, so other than, no soot and no rpm issues , I think they are running fine. Called a local long island company and they told me they were familiar with these turbos, and that they could rebuild them. New bearings, seals, rebalance. I didn’t get into cost with them, but my question is, is this something you would do preventively based on age (Less than 2k hours)? Is there anything else I should ask them to do to the turbos?

 

[ttmott]

I question the need to do anything. Are they leaking oil? What is the compressor impeller side play (wheel clearance to housing)? Is the compressor impeller touching the volute anywhere?
If the rebuild shop didn't ask these questions......

 

[kvduff]

No leaks, and no they didn’t ask those questions. I haven’t looked at the wheel clearance. Is this something I’d measure with gauges? I don’t have any running issues, also don’t want to create any. Was thinking due to age maybe it would be good to have them looked at, cleaned.

 

[dtfeld]

It's not hard to install a boost gauge. You could install a small one with a drag pointer to get a basic idea or add turbocators as i think these are great tools to monitor these engines (and really the entire drive system).

I think one week spot on these turbos especially in salt water is the wastegate system.

Now whether or not to remove...? Something to be said about if it ain't broke...