Hi,

I got a shop to make a deal with a salvage owner for an engine for $500 to include a turbo charger. This was said to include this specifically. I get there and the guy says no, the charger was extra even though he told the shop the same thing I heard. Since it's the only one in San Antonio that I know of, I'm over a barrel.

So, I got the engine out and there is a big, fat hole in the side. I'm thinking the cheapie radiator hose had something to so with it because it had no strength to it even though it had no tears in it.

Here's the deal....How do I know if the turbo charger is bad? Someone I believe to be pretty much the Volvo guru said that if the engine ran out of oil (burning oil in this case) then the charger is bad. Anyone? If I am going to trade mine in for a core charge, then I would like to know why.

Charlane

You have got to get to know the 83 year old woman I know who did the calipers and pads on her 122 last week.
The turbo did not burn a lot of oil before right? The take off the front hose and rea pipe (I think you have dome that) and after a few squirts of oil in the top oil connection (important) spin the impellers. If they spin pretty smoothly with your fingers (you might need to get them started as they are self centering when running) and do not wobble on their shafts (side to side) it might be worth keeping. You know its history, right? How many miles since rebuild? It ran fine before for you? $500 is pretty high for an old B21FT without a turbo. Is there any labor in that? An unknown turbo is a little risky due to the labor of installation, but you can kind of judge a recent one. I pick nice ones from salvage for $50-75 and have one in my '83. I bought the rebuilt B21FT for $100 right after the donor car was rear ended by an earth mover blade. Well, that is a good pick and pull for you. But that was kind of lucky. Still, $500, no guarantee, no mileage known?

"It isn't a garantee that they will carry out your wishes, but it can impact their decision and it gives peace of mind to your loved ones if they believe they are doing what you wanted them to do."

Come on now, rhaire, not all of us are equipped with the tools, knowledge or desire to pull an engine (doesn't quite compare to a brake job!). Curious about your friend's 122 - has it been converted to disc brakes??

I have seen salvage B21FT's complete with turbocharger and harness for $300-$350 in the greater San Francisco bay area, but the shipping to Texas would probably cost twice that amount. IMHO, if he can get a warranty (e.g. 30 or 60 days) on the engine, $500 with a turbo is not too far out there.

Sorry about the quote....from another forum on the subject of Terri Schiavo and Living Wills.

Meant to quote the following, but left out the Ctrl-C step:

"You have got to get to know the 83 year old woman I know who did the calipers and pads on her 122 last week."