Head gasket popped turbo question

[Boots_bates]

Hi friends,
Forgive me if this has been addressed already.

In the process of doing a head gasket on a 7.3idi with an aftermarket CTS turbo out of Kamloops BC. Had the dreaded grey sludge throughout the motor. **Please note I have already rebuilt and verified the oil cooler is not the issue.**

Question #1
Since the turbo is off and it’s ate a bunch of water should I have it re-sealed and new bearings put in it? Estimated cost of 5-600 Canadian dollars. Is this an absolute must?

Question #2
More of a confirmation...but I should be able to fire it up minus the turbo and verify that the head gasket repair was successful and the water and oil are not mixing. Assuming I block off the turbo feed line and add a makeshift exhaust. I’d hate to rebuild the turbo and pass water through new bearings.

Thanks folks!

 

[Kevin 007]

I also have a truck equipped with a Kamloops built CTS. Nice to see someone else running one, they are rare. Where did you have the estimate for a rebuild?
Yes you can test run it without the turbo.
If you didn't run a long time with water in your oil, I wouldn't worry about the turbo bearings. If you have a lot of miles on it with water in your oil, then yes. But it may be a good time to have the turbo done anyways....since its already off. Depends on your future plans for the truck I guess and how much life you figure is left in it