3LJ-319 Whistler Turbo Rebuild - Thrust Bearing Direction?

[Corvette1974]

Hello,

I am rebuilding my turbo right now and I found one discrepancy in the turbo rebuild process. When I disassembled the turbo (which looks like is has never been done) the thrust bearing was facing the brass part towards the inside of the turbo (where the main bearing is. However, in this thread (https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?75970-Turbo-Rebuild-3LJ-319-(Whistler) ) the thrust bearing is installed the other way....

Basically, which was does the bearing go? Otherwise the turbo was very easy to rebuild!

-Will

 

[FFesco]

Hello,

I am rebuilding my turbo right now and I found one discrepancy in the turbo rebuild process. When I disassembled the turbo (which looks like is has never been done) the thrust bearing was facing the brass part towards the inside of the turbo (where the main bearing is. However, in this thread (https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?75970-Turbo-Rebuild-3LJ-319-(Whistler) ) the thrust bearing is installed the other way....

Basically, which was does the bearing go? Otherwise the turbo was very easy to rebuild!

-Will

Can you send me the turbo kit you’ve used or any you have considered?


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[Corvette1974]

Can you send me the turbo kit you’ve used or any you have considered?

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PM'ed!

 

[FFesco]

Thank you! I’ve never installed one before, but I have a mechanic that can help me. Do you have any resources or schematics I can use?


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[rustystud]

Hello,

I am rebuilding my turbo right now and I found one discrepancy in the turbo rebuild process. When I disassembled the turbo (which looks like is has never been done) the thrust bearing was facing the brass part towards the inside of the turbo (where the main bearing is. However, in this thread (https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?75970-Turbo-Rebuild-3LJ-319-(Whistler) ) the thrust bearing is installed the other way....

Basically, which was does the bearing go? Otherwise the turbo was very easy to rebuild!

-Will

Your talking about the "Thrust Plate" correct ? It should be facing "outwards" towards the impeller.

 

[Corvette1974]

Your talking about the "Thrust Plate" correct ? It should be facing "outwards" towards the impeller.

Thank you! Yes the thrust plate (with the half brass/half steel) So the sticky turbo thread is correct and you should be able to see the brass part with the flutes when the turbo is assembled, and the steel portion should be facing inward (towards the exhaust side of the turbine)

-Will

 

[Corvette1974]

Thank you! I’ve never installed one before, but I have a mechanic that can help me. Do you have any resources or schematics I can use?
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Effectively, all you need is the turbo rebuild sticky in the Deuce part of the forum. It is at the top of the page, but it is also the link at the top of my thread here. Very easy process, just stressful because it is such a precision operation. My shaft/impeller were already marked from the factory, so the realignment after rebuild to maintain balance should be fine.

-Will
​

 

[Niknil]

I have not done a rebuild, nor used this specific manual, but the TM that looks most applicable is TM 9-2990-201-45. I had downloaded this some time ago just in case. Hope it helps.

 

[Corvette1974]

I have not done a rebuild, nor used this specific manual, but the TM that looks most applicable is TM 9-2990-201-45. I had downloaded this some time ago just in case. Hope it helps.

I think that TM only has the 4 series turbos, not the one for the 3 series turbos...I checked for the manual listed about the 3 series turbos, but that manual seems to be missing.

 

[Corvette1974]

Ok, I have the turbo assembled correctly, but now there is a new problem. When I tighten the nut to 170 inch pounds, the turbo completely seizes up and is unable to move. I have checked a million times and I cant see any issues. Any thoughts?

-Will

 

[rustystud]

Check the length of the new bearing (basically a bronze bushing) to the old bearing. Also did you only add one spacer ? Make sure the impeller and shaft are totally clean of all debris and residue. Also check the thickness of the thrust plates compared to the old ones. Maybe you received the wrong ones in the kit. It happens.

 

[Corvette1974]

Check the length of the new bearing (basically a bronze bushing) to the old bearing. Also did you only add one spacer ? Make sure the impeller and shaft are totally clean of all debris and residue. Also check the thickness of the thrust plates compared to the old ones. Maybe you received the wrong ones in the kit. It happens.

Pm'ed you. Thanks for the help...The main bearing is too long by the slightest amount. Will keep the thread updated with what I determine to be the fix.

-Will

 

[Corvette1974]

Update: I used 2000 grit sandpaper and took off the slightest amount, leaving the lubrication grooves still visible, and the turbo is perfect now. Way tighter than before with zero play around. I will report back on if it actually works haha

-Will