Audi A4 blown turbo, does it need engine rebuild

[wolfyarooh]

Hello, we just bought a second hand Audi A4 1996 Estate. The turbo has now suddenly blown on it, black smoke coming out of the exhaust. Thankfully we were near a garage and only drove it very slowly and carefully for max 2 miles. Is it ok to refit the Audi with a new turbo or does the engine have to be rebuild as a result of this?

Thank you for your help

[SuperchargedVR6]

Diesel or petrol?

Depends on what bit of the turbo has 'blown'. If the compressor wheel disintegrated, you'll be wanting to get a bore scope in the cylinders to check for metal fragments, and also flush the boost pipes and intercooler for the same reason. If it's all clear, then whack a new turbo on and you're good to go.

[wolfyarooh]

Hi,thank you for your reply,its a Diesel and the wheel on top of the turbo has gone yes,trying to find out if its worth it buying a new turbo as an engine rebuild is way out of financial league at mo. Just bought the car second hand and it went within just 3 weeks,very painful,thanks for your input

[anonymous-user]

the engine may blow if the oil leaked from all the failed turbo and burnt it all up (sounds unlikely from your description) or bits from the turbo went into the engine. A second and turbo will be peanuts and should be easy to change so worth changing and see how it goes.

[wolfyarooh]

Before we went on a short trip we checked the oil, there was barely a drop in the engine, so the mechanic filled it up with more than a liter. Just after getting back from the trip a week later the turbo blew and to our surprise no oil in the engine.

[rassi]

Did you buy privately or from a professional? You have 6 months warranty if the latter, so please clarify this first.

A second hand engine from a breaker might be more economical if you are dealing with a private buy.

[Cemesis]

Are you saying the engine was well below minimum, a mechanic filled it with more than a litre, you went on a short trip which concluded in blowing the turbo and when checking the oil there was nothing on the dipstick? Sounds like the turbo is not your primary issue.