Evaluating used Banks truck

PossumTruck

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On Sunday, I will be looking at a 1990 7.3 with a Banks kit added.

This would be my first turbo anything so I have no experience or expectations - while I am comfortable with evaluating the rest of the engine and truck. Any tips on what to look for in a potentially-problematic turbo unit?
 

Clb

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pull the boot of the compressor side, the turbine wheel should be tight and rite as in literally no lateral movement (up down side to side) nor dings on the blades the wastegate (if equipped ) should be free to move, realize there is a BIG spring in there you are compressing) free to move open closed no fresh soot on the joints and good piping to and from, any grittieness in the turbo means a rebuild (spinning it ) enjoy
 

The_Josh_Bear

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These turbos will have a little side-to-side movement at the compressor. But you need zero end-play(front to back). Grittiness or the wheel touching the sides is bad. At this point I'd just expect to rebuild the darn thing and negotiate at that point unless you can take it for a ride and it easily builds 7psi. If it takes all the RPM band in 3rd gear to build 7psi there are issues. Not that it can't be fixed, just a negotiating point.

I got a used turbo years ago(my first) that was so bad it was spinning off-axis and couldn't build over 5psi. Lots of lessons learned. You could see it spinning all bad with the boot off and just revving the engine at the IP. New CHRA and I was in biz. Mine was a Factory ATS but same type of deal with a Banks, they are both journal-bearing turbos.
 

Clb

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Remember the o93 ats was factory set @3 psi, the non gated banks egt was the cap, I forgot what Gale set his wastegates at tho.
But yes if it won't spool up inside of 3rd gear, 1-200 yds or before 2500 rpm expect to have the turbo redone
 
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