My turbo housing on the drivers side turbo is cracked. The cheapest quote to repair it was over $6k, due to the fact that all the mechanics are unanimous in saying the engine needs to be dropped out to replace it. I decided to try myself to replace it without dropping the engine.

I have all of the turbo disconnected and all bolts out except 1 pipe which is preventing the turbo coming out - the one beneath the turbo. Any ideas how to undo this while the engine is still in the car?





Alternatively I am thinking of cutting this bottom metal (coolant?) pipe and making a joint or union. This would make it far easier to remove the old turbo and install the new one. Question is, what kind of union is available to make a good, re-connectable joint here?

 

Well, I cut the pipe and freed the turbo, but it does not fit through any gap to get it out of the engine bay...

 

Well that sucks. Was hoping you'd figured it out. Can you make enough room by loosening the motor mount and lifting the motor up just a bit maybe?

 

I did exactly that, and I also removed parts from the turbo. Old turbo is out, new one is in place and I am halfway through hooking up all the hoses and pipes. It has not been an easy job.

 

I can imagine. There isn't much room in there at all. I had a car I had to do that just to get the starter out. Replaced it with a gear reduction starter, MUCH smaller and easier to get back in.


Just goes to prove, where there's a will, there's a way!!