head gasket and turbo problems

[firetrap]

Hi

My SE started to produce large amounts of white/blue smoke on idle, just heard back from the garage that there is play in the turbo bearing and the fins on the turbine are damaged, they also found the head gasket is kaput!

Bloke in the garage (of the top of his head) said that I am looking at £2k plus to resolve this, £500-600 for the turbo and £1200-1400 to do the head gasket which included getting it tested for cracks, then skimmed and rebuilt!!!

I've had a look around the forum and found a link to a site in the states where I can obtain a replacement turbo for £250 ish, I didn't cook the engine so I seriously doubt I have warped the head I noticed it getting hot when it developed the symptoms but the temp went to about 3/4 then went back down again. Do I need to get it tested and skimmed or could I just get them to replace the gasket and see what if it is ok???

What do you think guys/gals???

[Monty]

Wonder how much play there is as you do get a bit of play on the shaft, also the turbo`s are old now and most will have little nicks in the fins. Personally you need to look yourself. IIRC there was someone from the states selling the cartridge part on ebay, hopefully someone will post a link.

I would say your head wouldn`t need testing but thats cheap to get done ie 20 to £30, the head skim might need doing just depends on the condition as mine had pitting and need skimming, cost about £30.

I did my own HG but most pay around the £500 mark, getting a HG may be a problem though

[lotuska]

if you are absoultely sure that you need a turbo and HG there is an elan being broken on ebay you might be able to get the engine and turbo for a lot less than you have been quoted.

Check the following link

[Fetnas]

Hi Firetrap

I purchaed a centre cartige from the US Ebay supplier that Bob found. For me, it was a good solution to a similar turbo problem.

I've tried to find the supplier on Ebay but they don't have anything listed at the moment, I guess they ran out of stock. The good news is there are plenty of rebuild kits avaliable and very detailed instructions on how to strip and rebuild the trubo in the WIKI. If you dismantle the turbo, you will need new studs as the stupid Kaylok nuts will strip the threads.

Good luck