Is It Safe to Buy a Second-Hand Turbocharger? Full Guide

Acquisition of a second-hand turbocharger can be a feasible alternative to a large number of Australian vehicle owners that desire powerful engines but do not want to spend thousands to acquire a new one. Turbochargers are also costly items and particularly in the European and diesel cars, and so the possibility of an used OEM turbo is quite attractive. But there is one big question to which most owners of cars raise; Is it safe to fit a second-hand turbocharger? This step-by-step manual includes descriptions of what makes a used turbo dependable, what you ought to consider prior to purchasing one and how to make sure that after installation, the turbo will perform well in the long run.

What a Turbocharger Is?

A turbocharger is developed to make more air flow into the engine and therefore it burns more fuel and generates more power. It operates with exhaust gasses rotating a turbine thus pushing pressurised air into the intake. A Turbocharger needs to be healthy to work safely due to its extremely high speed and temperature. Any internal injuries like damaged bearings, bent blades or oil spills may easily cause engine problems.

Nevertheless, the turbochargers tend to be highly durable. A large number are of low-kilometre automobiles or cars that had been written off following the accident, meaning that the turbo was not damaged. That is why second-hand turbos may be a safe and cheap way as long as they are obtained with an appropriate professional supplier that examines each of them.

Should It Be called Safe to Buy a Second-hand Turbocharger or Not?

The answer to this question is yes, the turbocharger is safe but only after full test having been conducted, inspection, and verification of the turbocharger. The quality of a second-hand turbo is what is important and not the age. A second-hand OEM turbo with inspection is likely to work as well as a new one, particularly when the donor car had some reasonable kilometres and the turbo never had any oil starvation or overheating problems.

Creditworthy dealers thoroughly look at the move of the shafts, the rotation of turbine and internal clearances as well as leaks of oils. They also inspect cracks, damaged fins, carbon deposits and corrosions. These checks will be completed well, the second- hand turbo is very reliable at a reasonable cost.

The reason why so many owners of cars prefer second-hand turbos

A difference in price is one of the principal reasons why drivers prefer a second-hand turbocharger. New OEM turbos may be very costly, particularly of the type such as Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Toyota diesel engines, and luxury European cars. A second hand turbo is of real OEM quality at a smaller fraction of the price.

The other large advantage is availability. Australia has waiting lines or discontinuation of some of the turbo models. These difficult-to-find parts are normally provided by used parts suppliers and therefore, replacement will be easily and stress free.

The purchase of a second-hand turbo is also nature-friendly as it will decrease the amount of waste and promote the use of original elements. Rather than making new parts, a large number of quality parts receive a second life, which assists in decreasing the effects on the environment.

Considerable matters to be checked before purchasing a secondary Turbocharger

When buying a used turbo, one should seek evidence of sound working. The second-hand turbo must be able to move smoothly without roughness and stiffness in the center of the turbine. Movement The shaft is expected to move freely with low side play and no excessive in-and-out motion. It is necessary to check the blades; they must be sharp, clean, and not cracked and chipped.

The housing must not be cracked, dented or indicate any impact damage. The presence of oil residue on the compressor part or the turbine part can be used to signify seal problems and therefore the turbo is supposed to be dry and clean on both sides. One should also know the approximate kilometres covered by the donor vehicle and whether the engine had known the issue of oil flow as turbochargers are very sensitive to clean oil.

Most importantly, never purchase but a supplier who gives a warranty. A warranty implies that the turbo has undertaken the necessary tests and is operational. Credible vendors will have the backing of their products hence you will have the peace of mind.

Advantages of Selecting a test second-hand Turbocharger

A turbocharger that has been well inspected is a great value. Several aftermarket turbos have problems with compatibility and life span and a second-hand OEM unit has factory-built quality at a significantly reduced cost.

Going with a used turbo will also enable you to have good engine power and fuel economy without paying too much. The performance of the turbo has been very good over time when it has been well checked and fitted by a qualified mechanic by the customers. To drivers that use their cars on a daily basis, be it at work, commuting or to transport their families, a second hand turbocharger is a cheaper option without compromising on the reliability.

Guaranteeing Long-Term Reliability Following an installation

Any turbocharger should be properly installed and maintained in order to increase its life span. Once a turbo has been replaced, mechanics tend to suggest cleaning or replacing oil feed and return lines, as the blocked lines may cut off lubrication to the turbo. The appropriate engine oil and changing it when needed discourage its accumulation of carbon and preserve the moving elements of the turbo.

Letting the engine run before driving it hard then letting it cool down after prolonged journeys can also go a long way in terms of longevity. Such habits save the turbo against any sudden change of temperature, as well as lessen stress levels on internal parts. A second-hand turbocharger can perform with good and reliable power over a long period with proper treatment.

When You Never Should Buy a Used Turbo

Though used turbos are very safe as a rule, there are some instances when they are not that good. When the turbine is not rotated smoothly; when the blades of the compressors are bent; when the housing is cracked, the turbo can not be used again. Also, it is important not to use units that belong to engines which have been proved uncooperative with oil starvation. That is why you should buy with a specialist used parts vendor, he helps you to eliminate these defective units.

Final Thoughts

Second hand turbocharger purchase is safe, reliable and very cost effective in instances where they are obtained through a reputable supplier. When properly checked, a second hand OEM turbo can provide a superior performance, high-life and easy installation. Second hand turbos are the solution to such Australian drivers interested in saving on repairs but not on reliability. When you buy an item supported by the warranty and tested by the professional supplier such as All Good Parts, you are guaranteed quality and long time reliability.