Hi,

Me again with another question on my 1991 volvo turbo. My turbo is leaking oil, and smoking a little out the back. I just bought a turbo rebuild kit off ebay. I will not pay 600+ bucks for a rebuilt turbo.

Here is the question:

If I am unsuccessful at rebuilding my turbo, can I convert my wagon to a non turbo??? I figure if I change the air intake, and the exhaust manifold, it should work. What other considerations would I need to account for in making the switch (electronics?). I can pull an air intake and exhaust manifold for probably 30 bucks at a junk yard, so if I can't fix mine, this is a lucrative option.

Thanks!

 

One other thing to consider: compression ratio is lower on a turbo, so if you change everything else you mentioned, you're gonna end up with a n/a engine with lower compression/less power/worse mileage than all the other n/a engines out there.

 

Dan, the later models like yours do have lower compression but it's like 8.5 to 1 rather than 7.5 to 1 like earlier ones. Those figures are ball park, not exact. Yup, it will be a doggie but not horrific. But...the good news is that rebuilding turbos is child's play! Just be sure to have a full can of PB Blaster, a propane torch and a big fawking hammer! I generally soak them for 2-3 days prior to disassembly. You're thinking negative!!! You will rebuild that turbo and add it to your resume!!

 

Thanks everyone for the replies I never thought about the compression ratio being different!

I do plan to rebuild the turbo. Thanks for the inspiring words swiftjustice44. I'm sure I'll do it right.

A quick update on my 91... Yesterday i changed out the power steering rack, and i now have power steering again! I was going to do the struts, but i did not have a wrench big enough for the top nut. I'm going to take it to work and do it there (with air tools).

My upcoming jobs/repairs:
-rebuild the turbo
-change the timing belt, replace front oil seal(it's leaking)

I'll let you guys know how the turbo rebuild goes

Thanks

 

When you finally get the turbo apart you'll be amazed how simple they are. Things to remember...get the parts spotlessly clean internally, mark impeller /shaft orientation w/ a scribe to preserve balance, oil EVERYTHING as it goes back together..30W is fine. Also, please note that, after all your hard work, doubts and frustrations...the newly rebuilt turbo will smoke like a freight train when first fired up...for as long as 15 minutes. Perfectly normal. I offer that piece of advice freely...since no one bothered to tell me when I re-did my first one. I expected a tiny bit of start up smoke but I figured it would stop immediately. I was considering driving it off the nearest cliff w/ me in it...but fortunately it finally did stop smoking.