My turbo died tonight

[vrg3]

Hmm, is it possible that there were little pieces of catalytic converter left in the uppipe, and one made its way into the turbine wheel, chipping the wheel, throwing the turbo out of balance, damaging the bearing, causing enough play to make one of the wheels hit its housing, killing the turbocharger?

If it is, you probably should replace the uppipe soon with either an aftermarket one or a stock WRX one with cat intact.

[Tleg93]

Matt and I might tear the old turbo apart to investigate it. When we do we'll have to see what we can find out about that.

On a side note, I've started to leak oil from the oil inlet to the turbo.

[vrg3]

Did you use two new annealed copper washers on each side of the banjo bolt, and make sure the machined surfaces on the bolt and turbo housing were clean?

[Tleg93]

I actually was on a run to the hardware store and my bud who was providing the space and an extra hand reattached the oil inlet tube. I've notice some spotting underneath the car and on the turbo housing. I'm going to have to wait until midweek to investigate further, unless something happens that forces me to address it.

[vrg3]

It'd seriously take you like a minute to check it after removing the chimney, and the washers are like a dime each at any respectable auto parts store. You really don't want to starve the turbo of oil.

[Tleg93]

Yeah, I realize that I'll have to get to it as soon as I can, working from 7am to 7pm 30 miles away limits my ability to get to a store. I'll make time though. If it matters the leak seems to have slowed down some and it doesn't seem to be too bad right now. Does that help matters?

[vrg3]

I don't know.

[Tleg93]

It started boosting funny today. Gee, I wonder what's next.