How to break in rebuilt turbo?
 

First track day of the season on Friday, after having the turbo rebuilt. How should I break it in? Keep it below a certain boost pressure for a certain period of time/miles? Or just let 'er rip...

i'd probably try to put a few hundred miles on it at normal driving, but i am not an expert.

"Few hundred miles"? That's like.....a LOT of laps!!! I figured I'd take it easy for a bit, but I don't know how long I can stand having Miata's pass me. I figure I'll last about 15 laps tops before having to make things right with the world...

Is 50 miles good enough? Anyone else have any input? This is a dedicated track car, I can't just go cruise around the streets for a couple hours.

hmm... in that case, i'd throw caution to the wind and make the miata's cry!

LOL, I'll do my best! Them's pesky little screechy things...

turbo break-in
 

Yes Sir, actually there is a prescribed way to break in a turbo and you will actually void any manufacturers warantee by not doing so (at least if they find out). Sure this is my first post but what the heck, it's the thought that counts, right?.. here are the steps:
1. crank the motor at least 3 times for about 15 seconds each WITHOUT starting the motor. (there are a number of ways to do so and from some of the posts i've read we have some experts here).
2. now you can start the car and allow to idle for about 15 min.
3. the final step is the most painful, you're supposed to limit boost for the first 100 miles. I do this by running stock boost, that's about as limited as I get, oh, and wear a light shoe too. now THAT"S a few laps!!! but I think it would pay off unless you were already at the track today and just got home to read my late post. In that case, Im sure you have a really solid turbo and there's nothing to worry about.

Bron

hey bron,

welcome to the forum.

you oughta post some pictures of your ride.

also, i see you are in SLC. we have an autocross this sunday, if you are interested. $20 at the door. its a blast.

darell

slc, ut

Darell,
Yea buddy! You sound like the man. a 951 owner who lives in SLC. Reminds me of myself. I noticed you are from here but I was afraid to say anything. I tried to pm a few of these guys already just to get a feel for the forum but I think I got the cold shoulder, I guess it's not cool to talk to the "new guys". Anyways, this weekend isn't good for me but it would be great to meet up some time and roast marshmellows in the fire...... or better yet, big blocks and ricers. As for the pics, I like the idea but I need some time to warm up to it. My car is sort of like my girl in the sense that if you get caught talking smack about em then we have a problem. But hopefully soon.

When I purchased my K27 #6 from PowerHaus 10 years ago, their instructions said to limit the boost for the first 200 miles and use ordinary motor oil, not synthetic during this time.

Well, I lasted about 45 miles before going WOT. But, I used it sparingly. Overall, I put on 197 miles today and tried to keep the full boost to a minimum. No problems to report (other than a coolant puke right at the end of the day. That's ok, as I was finished with it at that point.)

This was the first day I've ever heard my turbo whistle. Kinda freaked me out, but everyone said that's normal (?).

Thanks for the 'breaking in' tips guys.

I killed a few bugs today...
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1178333871.jpg

what caused the coolant puke?

Not sure.

I did just flush and fill the coolant over the winter, so I'm thinking (hoping) maybe there was a pocket of air in the system. I used a pressure tester, but air can be stubborn to completely eliminate.

Another possibility is the thermostat sticking, although it's only 2 years/under 4k miles old.

Any suggestions of other things to look at?

A few of the other cars sharing the track yesterday (everyone likes pictures, right?)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1178409203.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1178409223.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1178409283.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1178409307.jpg http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1178409325.jpg

wow! very nice.

what did your temp gauge say? were you running hot? is it possible you had a head gasket failure?

Temp gauge was fine all day. After the last session on track, I pulled in and let it run a few minutes with the hood up to cool down like I always do, and the gauge started climbing instead. It got just below the red zone, when I shut the engine off. At that point the coolant was spilling out the overflow hose.

I don't think it's the HG, none of the typical symptoms.

hmm... kinda sounds like a stuck thermostat or the fans weren't coming on. strange.