Aftermarket parts, blown turbo

[LeGeMar]

My Volvo dealer has quoted $4,000 for a new turbo (after just 300 hours of use). Poseidon marine sells one for $1,1412. Any experience with that manufacturer, or with what might have caused my turbo to blow after so little use?

 

[BB marine]

First question is what did the Volvo dealer say caused the Turbo to blow. The term turbo is blown is a wide use of words. To be a blown turbo is bearing failure, shaft and impeller destroyed due to lack of lubricant or high exhaust temperature. A failed Turbo which is common to Tugs is a stuck turbo that no longer spins up and creates boost pressure. This is usually from lack of use, salt air and coke buildup at the exhaust side of the turbo. This does not require a complete turbo replacement usually requires cleaning. Worst case is removal of the turbo and send it to a reputable turbo shop for cleaning and rebuilding. I had a Turbo replaced by Volvo last year. The Volvo technician claimed the seal and bearing had failed. Volvo approved the replacement of Turbo and all hoses and gaskets required for repair. (warranty) The findings after turbo removal was the failed turbo was in good condition and the bearing deflection was no different from the new turbo or old turbo. The actual failure was do to hose and hose clamp failure. I have photos my Album. The Turbo used in the D3 is different than the D4 Turbo. The D3 is a Garrett Turbo. I believe the D4 is also a Garrett but it is not the same design. Actually the D4 is a simple Turbo but has close impeller clearances that can get fouled ( this is true to all turbos). Before proceeding with replacement find out exactly what failed in the turbo. There are several turbo discussions here TugNuts and a few of them are related to R29 Volvo D4 engines with stuck or fouled turbos that just required exhaust elbow removal and surface cleaning.

 

[LeGeMar]

Thanks. Very helpful!