Banks Sidewinder Wastegate stuck/VERY tight?
ADMIN: I MEANT TO START A NEW THREAD IN THE SECTION< SORRY< I DON"T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT< HELP BEFORE I GET FLAMED!!!!!!!
I picked up a Banks Sidewinder off a 90 F-250 7.3 IDI/E4OD, got everything in the kit including the Trans Command module. The engine was bad in the truck, don't know what was the problem but it my be the turbos fualt.
I was checking the turbo and found it had a wastegate that was very hard to operate so I took the actuator off and it was still very hard to operate so I choked down on the lever with an adjustable wrench and it moved back and forth with a LOT of effort, I am imagining this is not right? I have nevr owned or worked on a turbo before so I don't know if this is normal, I would think not as it was stuck closed and I could see this overspooling, producing too much boost or whatever. I noticed some built up carbon in the inlet, I'm sure it is caked up in there where I can't see. Is this something I can fix like soaking it with PB Blaster or WD40 or a tub of diesel?
The actuator is also very hard to pull out of the housingand only moves a very small amount. it also makes some popping noises in there and the rod acts like it is not centered inside on something. Is there any way to test this thing like with compressed air or something at say 20psi?
The turbo itself spins with a little resistance and very little play side to side, however, there is play like a wobble when I push the shaft towards the housing sides, especially on the intake side but no contact or funny noises like a loose or worn bearing, is this bad? Again, is this something I can fix or does it need to be sent off to Banks or some other turbo rebuilder?
I have rebuilt several engines and both types of trannies as well as all the fixing my trucks/cars/boats have ever needed so my mechanic skills are very good, if only slightly better than shade tree training. I have also built several types of guns from parts kits so I can take apart and build most things but I know these turbos have tight tolerances and spin VERY fast under extreme conditions, so that said, can a homeboy build a turbo and are kits available?
How about places to get parts like the actuators and bearings or blades, shafts, and the like? I'm going for stock stuff since this is going to go an an engine with 193,000 miles and will eventually be running WVO for fuel full time.
If I need to send it off, who is suggested and is there someone near Memphis, TN? I don't mind driving a couple hundred miles, especially considering how cheap I got this complete kit for!!!
I have also seen where some guys have stuck the wastegate open and run it that way, what is the downside other than lag or slow spool up? I know the boost would be limited and that would be OK with me and this loose engine will appreciate the break, I'm sure.
Thanks in advance for tolerating a newbie fuel oiler
