Swapping in a Used Turbo to Fix Oil Smoke
The hunt for a solution to my car’s oil smoke problem led me to a used turbo. My mechanic suspected the existing turbo might be the cause, so I sourced a secondhand TD04 for RM1,000. I knew it wasn’t the best deal out there. But with limited time and local options, I had no choice.
A friend helped secure the unit from a nearby shop. I trusted the shop owner’s word when he said the turbo was “in good working condition” with no oil leaks. I didn’t inspect it myself. In hindsight, that was a mistake.
Testing the Used Turbo: Not As Promised
Once my mechanic had time, he removed the turbo and intercooler to check both old and new parts. First, he poured oil into the “new” used turbo. It leaked badly from the turbine side—much worse than expected. The shop clearly overstated its condition.
Then he tested my existing turbo the same way. Yes, it also leaked some oil—but significantly less than the replacement unit. Based on this, we decided to reinstall my old turbo.
Keeping the Old Turbo for Now
Despite its issues, my original turbo still works for daily driving. The smoke only appears under hard acceleration, as shown in the previous video. During normal use, it runs clean. My mechanic also cleaned the entire turbo system, including the intercooler, to eliminate residual oil.
Lessons from This Used Turbo Experience
This episode was frustrating, but it taught me something important: never take a seller’s word at face value—especially when buying a used turbo. Always inspect or pressure test it before handing over your money.
The unit I bought was clearly not “working” as claimed. It leaked more than the turbo I was trying to replace! I felt misled, and while I appreciate my friend’s help, I wish we had checked it more thoroughly.
Next Plan: Proper Turbo Upgrade
Since I’ll eventually need a better solution, I’m planning a proper upgrade to a TD05. But this time, I’ll be extra cautious. No more buying blindly based on seller claims. I’ll request video proof, compression results, or at least test it on the spot.
The lesson here is clear: a used turbo can be a money pit if you’re not careful. Choose your seller wisely, and don’t rush into it—even when you’re short on time.
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