Relatively certain my new(3,000 miles) FP black is on its way out.. There's a good amount of shaft play and while on the dyno today it was pushing a decent amount of oil out of the exhaust. Not consistently on each pull, but on a few it was very noticeable. Its journal bearing, and has extremely low mileage as previously stated. Nothing out of the ordinary has been done besides some street driving and some dyno/tune time.. As frustrating as it is, im curious what i can get back from them once I send it there way for a check up or re build.. Whatever is in fact needed.. Does anyone have experience recently since they've started producing the ball bearing? Also, how has FP been recently in terms of turn around time? Im hoping to not have to wait the entire summer

 

Here's my update.. Keep in mind my tuner is the one who told me about the previously mentioned shaft play... I am certainly no expert in this dept as im still learning as I go. He has not physically removed the turbo yet, and is basing this upon what he's seen and attempted to get access to. Now, isnt that something that should really be evaluated when the turbo is off the car? When I spoke to FP today, they said, unless the the shaft is capable of touching the housing, dont worry about it, that it could have been blow by or from the crankcase vents.... I do some more research on the journal bearings and everyone talks about oil and use of the turbo being very important.. That hot shut downs and lack of lubrication can and are a serious issue. My car having just come back from a T case install had been down since November. Then, since I got a new clutch, i baby'd it for the first 500 miles and kept her out of boost. For it to then directly onto the dyno, could this have been my source for the current issue? Or, if the shaft play isnt as bad as advertised, could the turbo just be pissed at the world for having been neglected for so long? Any input will help me out? Again, im very much learning as I go with this....

 

haha, the turbo doesn't have a personality.

Anyway, The shop shouldn't make any conclusions without physically checking for shaft play. That being said, if the turbo was installed properly it shouldn't be starved of oil or anything like that.

The turbo definitely won't be hurt by not boosting, and even if it's beat to **** for the first 3000 miles of its life it wouldn't fail just like that. Either something went wrong with the install or it's just a bad turbo. If it's the turbo, just contact FP, I know their customer support is awesome.

 

Did you use the upgraded oil feed line when you installed it?

 

The shaft play, based on contact and without using a tool is nothing abnormal.. Its not touching the housing and spins freely... So, jumped the gun on that. Im pleased with those results to say the least.. Im thinking, i need a catch can

 

Absolutely