Ok, so I posted a thread about a couple weeks ago about my car not running correctly, trying to figure out the problem. Today, it happened again. Car feels like there's no power, my rpm needle was going up and down like it was about the stall. Gas pedal not working and could not rev the engine. The car jerked really hard like how a noobie would drive a stick for the first time. Engine vibrating and smelling like burning exhaust from engine bay. So I decided to open the hood and take a look at my turbo, here's what I saw:

 

Should I replace just the gasket or might as well get a new turbo? My mileage is about 157k....any suggestions?

 

Do you have a check engine light, and does the turbo make any noise (like a dentist drill)?

 

No engine light, turbo sounds normal though...whistling noise.

 

Can you see or feel exhaust coming out where the gasket is? It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace it. You also might want to clean your maf sensor too just to see if that might have something to do with it.

 

Run a VAG and see what it tells you. Just because you don't have a check engine light doesn't mean the VAG won't pick up something going screwy. Definitely replace that gasket. It may not be the cause, but it certainly can't hurt. What year is your car?

 

Was I the only one who looked at the pics and thought "Why's he using cardboard for a gasket?"

 

hahaha that gasket reminds me of the gasket i pulled out when i went k04. although it didn't leak.

 

lol cardboard motorsports

 

I'm thinking MAF as well... Definitely a good a idea to change the gasket too.