What happens when a the turbo's blow how can you tell and what does it do to the engine?

 

There will be lots of smoke if the seals blow, there would be no turbo sound of course. Never had one die on any of the Saabs/Volvos I owned, so that is all I know. I don't believe it will do anything to your engine accept dump/burn your oil.

Why do you ask?

 

As Jeffla said, if the seals go, which is the most common failure, you get smoke as oil is pumped either out the exhaust or into the intake, depending on which turbo seal went south. However, you DO still get the turbo sound as the turbos don't stop working, they just pump oil in addition to air. An easy check is to pull the y-pipe connector and check for oil. A little is normal (by a little, I mean a very thin coating that isn't really wet). A lot is not.

Why do you think you may have a problem?

Bob

 

okay thanks! There is a 2.7T that I might possibly be buying so im just getting info on them. It has 103,000 on the clock so i was just wondering i no the Turbos start to get finiky around this mileage so I was just wondering what are the signs. I was reading the Tip and Suggestion and was just curious Thanks again

 

Make sure it had the timing belt, water pump, etc all replaced, otherwise you're looking at $1000-1500 and a risk of breaking the timing belt and destroying the engine. Best bet is to have it checked out by a knowledgeable mechanic. It may cost you $100 but if he finds anything, you can save that in negotiations.

 

Yeah I have 2.8 and just got the TB and such done on that!