Stop the clock...Start the thread-My baby is home

the problem of keeping it standard expecting it to behave better isn't true or necessarily cheaper.

you could buy a whole car for the price of replacing the turbo properly and a second-hand turbo might go like ROB-S3 he essentially dumped his car after his 1K turbo broke after 10 miles

Us "normals" are all essentially in the same boat - paying the necessary to keep something on the road - rather than properly investing in a 16 year old car to make it better (well faster) than a 2017 30K car.

I cannot offer any technical advice only moral support - I have already highlighted next time mine breaks it "stays down" - I have far too much on my plate to deal with any more big issues on a little car. the door still opens after 20 bumps, the wing is rusty, the heating is poor, I have no AM radio and I have that lost MJ CD under the seat. but I also have a handful of murray mints in the coin tray and an operational cup holder.

----

Regarding your Turbo Swap instructions I had to remove the head from my car to undo the downpipe nuts.
 
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Stuart B said:
I cannot offer any technical advice only moral support - I have already highlighted next time mine breaks it "stays down" - I have far too much on my plate to deal with any more big issues on a little car
Click to expand...

I can help you there as I have a large 'Alan Partridge' plate in stock.

What I can gather from many threads on here without finding a definitive guide,changing the turbo is a bad job,some just removing the turbo and others removing the head and I don't want to remove the head really.If it wasn't such a pig of a job I'd have started on it right away.

The moral support is a welcome distraction from the frustration involved with a S3,although didn't you predict that my turbo would be the next part to go bang?

You are my resident psycho...........sorry my pen ran out of ink for a moment,meant to say,resident psychotherapist.

Not looking forward to showing my GF the fruits of my labour :slapped: already got a bruised ego!
 
@tcg i reckon just maybe check some "basics" to see if it's the turbo?

Remove air box and TIP. Check the compressor side for oil leakage, shaft play and any visual scoring on the inside of the compressor inlet bore. Spin it by hand. Do you get the grating then?

Maybe also try to get a Sample of your oil and get it tested? Either siphon or get under and let a little out and quickly plug it back in. Visually, are there metal shavings?

Had you tightened all of the bolts for the sump job all to spec? Was there something left loose or dangling under there?

If you decide to do the turbo job it is a little bit of bitch to do. No doubting that. But it is doable. I've done it DIY, without removing the head, and it's a subframe off (you can just swing it away but taking it off leaves you much more room), DP loosened and all oil lines and coolant lines undone. TBH the only thing that's hard is that it's tight for space.

Like you I'm able to get into tight spaces easily so reaching up for those 3DP nuts are easy for me now I know what combo of tools and where to angle them in is the best way to crack things off. Visually (Once the subframe is off) you can see all the nuts and bolts that need removing to get the turbo out and it can be done with a 3/8" tool set w/ extensions, 17mm deepwell socket, e14 reverse torx and universal joint. Just blast everything with 50/50 acetone and engine oil mix to hopefully penetrate and get cracking

Help is always here and you know that

Chin up
 
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The head gasket change to replace the downpipe is about the only thing that went sort of as planned. I had to drill off a manifold to turbo bolt which cost about £45 in drill bits and replace with a £15 new bolt.

I put the timing belt on wrong by a tooth and had a nightmare with a previous owner using a bolt instead of cap head on the lower pulley also needing drilling off.

with the head off you can basically reach and see everything instead of spending hours and hours underneath the car, with stupid extensions and dropping sub-frames removing wheel arches, drive shafts etc etc. you also have access to all the oil lines and of course you have already changed the pick up and oil pump so that is not needed to be changed. but with the head off and the sump easy to remove (you have done it last week) - just take the frickin crank off and pistons out and rod it and put on a 350BHP hybrid turbo and burn up the enemy.
 
LOL you have 2 totally different experiences :D :D :D
 
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Hahahahaha

Well to back yours up @Stuart B i have removed a head from the wreckers from an AGU and thought "oh is that all there is to it? That's pretty easy!"

Just make sure you've had your breakfast that morning because it's a tad on the heavy side for when you're doing it Lone Ranger.
 
so heavy.... you think it is still stuck down somewhere when really you just don't have the core strength to lift whilst leaning over the car. Gaaaraarrrh I have it...
 
I actually got up into the engine bay. One foot on the radiator support. Other on the area where the evap canister was. Squat. And lift hahahahaha
 
IanPG said:
@tcg i reckon just maybe check some "basics" to see if it's the turbo?
Click to expand...

Yeh,I need to do some investigating,it seems to point to the turbo being starved of oil (from low pressure) then maybe full pressure blowing the seals.

Dropping the subframe sounds a task to enjoy :blink: wish it could be done without all the hassle that comes with it.

Stuart B said:
The head gasket change to replace the downpipe is about the only thing that went sort of as planned. I had to drill off a manifold to turbo bolt which cost about £45 in drill bits and replace with a £15 new bo
Click to expand...

No doubt there will be various bolts/nuts that are seized and with me weighing less the the head I'd struggle to lift that.

Looks like I'll have to invest in some more 'Audi' tools if I decide to go ahead although it may just be cheaper to strip it,sell the parts and walk away and buy a $hitty little banger instead.I can't even bear to go near it at the moment,like a failing relationship,I need some space.

Plus we were lucky enough to buy one of those Hotpoint exploding tumble dryers and a 'man' is coming to sort that out tomorrow,maybe he'll fancy having a look at my turbo,or set fire to it for me!

IanPG said:
Chin up
Click to expand...

I dare not for fear of my GF catching me with an uppercut :yes: I've asked her if she could swipe aone of the turbo from one of the F1 cars at work while they're sat around doing nothing but I don't think it would fit anyway.

I'll be up all night,no sleep,cos I feeeeel like I'm always dreaming!
 
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The head is not that heavy I only have one working leg and I managed with it. - it is 10 bolts with a special socket + the water flange on the side 8 little nuts on the inlet manifold and the 3 manifold to turbo bolts then it looks like this. (still had old downpipe on)

IMAG2168
 
just imagine trying to undo that bango oil feed cap head with the head on.

of course you do then need to remove the side engine mounts to change the timing belt - but that is way down the line.
 
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The First Twelve Months

Didn't really want to be writing this the way things are at present but here goes...

I started this thread for several reasons,like it giving a true service history and maybe even help someone along the way but the main one I suppose was that I am,by nature,not the most sociable person and definitely not a fan of social media in any form.This is only the second forum (both for cars) I have been involved with and I knew as a newbie joining such a well established forum I would spend most of my time on here in the shadows using the search to glean what I needed.

So,if you like,I started this thread as a kind of therapy to force me to interact with more people :blush: and it is working reasonably well.Consider yourselves part of the 'working group' involved in these sessions.

This thread will never be anywhere near as dynamic or exciting as the legendary builds on here by the well established A3/S3 owners who have that undivided passion that we all hope to find in something in life.I think those people are great for what they have achieved and it shows by the amount of love they have put in over the years producing some stunning examples.

For me it was a case of hoping to return my car to as higher standard as possible,within a reasonable budget,to hopefully end up with a true classic in time.I'm not looking for extreme power or ground hugging suspension,but we can all learn from other peoples experiences.

In general,depending on personal circumstances,I have always tried to own cars that aren't 'run of the mill',so when I had to get a 3dr hatchback,in my price range,I felt that the S3 8L would be the ideal car for me and was the pick of the bunch.

I normally keep my cars as long as it is viable,the last two I had owned for 10 & 8 years respectively,so my intention with this one was to slowly improve it over several years.Maybe I have been spoiled by owning Toyota's (both similar/older,mileage/age to my S3) for so long as their reliability was superb and I have found it quite surprising this car hasn't compared so well.

At this point in time with my car with what looks like a blown turbo I find myself questioning whether to spend even more money (it owes me twice it's value) or 'cut and run'.I don't want to walk away from it as I truly believe it is a modern classic but also my head tells me to get shot of it.I will spend the next few days mulling it over and hopefully I'll make the right decision whichever way it goes.

So for those that have helped me directly,you know who you are,I thank you for your time and knowledge and also those who have helped me indirectly just from me reading their own threads/posts.

I always try to find humour in everything I come across in life and this car has certainly tested that but we live and learn,don't we?
 
I would be inclined to get someone with some experience to look at it.
Perhaps look at forum members in your area.
A local specialist may also be willing to at least come and give it an assessment. You need a second opinion.
 
When the smoke has finally cleared from my garage I'll take a closer look and then get someone to come and have a nosey.Right now I don't even want to go near it for fear of grabbing a sledgehammer and showing it my true feelings.
 
Sounds about right for the first 12 months :) :VIRTUAL_HUGS

Keep your goals realistic - you know.... I bought a new under tray and sides but realised they would need to be off so often I will keep them in the packaging.

It goes to show that even the most careful purchase looking for a standard unmodified Audi S3 8L comes with hurdles and the "lemon feel" where you are having all the same problems everyone else has had. Maybe a modified S3 is better? because the modification was actually repairing the failed bit.

I have embraced the current faults in my S3, you know - I don't even re-inflate the slow puncture as often nowadays.

So take a chance or give up?
if you take a chance don't settle for "back to standard" - get something better from it - so you see a benefit from the disaster...

if you give up - then others will still enjoy your project so your effort will not go to waste.

and for g*ds sake buy a runabout car - so you can put this blip to the back of your mind.

Have you got to the point that you can tune out the advice from your friends and family about - "you should never have wasted your time and money..." "you chose a crap car, why do I always manage to pick good cars..." "how much more money are you going to throw at that money pit..." "I need a lift but want to have to walk half the journey so will ask a neighbour.." the list goes on.

if you do leave please don't go this way

 
Stuart B said:
Keep your goals realistic - you know.... I bought a new under tray and sides but realised they would need to be off so often I will keep them in the packaging.
Click to expand...

Yeh,I have a headlight switch sat in a cupboard waiting to replace the worn off one but no need for headlights at present unless using them as inspection lamps.

Stuart B said:
if you take a chance don't settle for "back to standard" - get something better from it - so you see a benefit from the disaster...
Click to expand...

I don't want to go hybrid or anything other than keeping it 'classic',no way could I justify the cost of all the extra bits that go with that.As it is,at stage 1 is ideal for me.

Stuart B said:
and for g*ds sake buy a runabout car - so you can put this blip to the back of your mind.
Click to expand...

That's just not an option for me,I've already put a massive hole in the little spare money 'we' have,I say 'we' but I don't contribute anything monetary so luckily I have a very understanding GF.I don't need anyone to tell me how much I have 'wasted' on this car,I have regular nightmares to remind me and to think one of the reasons I sold my last one is I couldn't justify spending £3k+ and I've gone and spent twice that amount in a year.When I think what I could have done to my old GT4 with that budget I'd have ended up with a mint classic rare 4x4 sportscar.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Stuart B said:
if you do leave please don't go this way
Click to expand...

Luckily I drove a Subaru once and never again.

TGIF.
 
audi upgrades
Just "good luck" to you, the person I bought my S3 from 17 months ago sent a text just today asking if I still had the S3? shall I sell it back to him? or just ignore the text message?
 
There's only 39 S3's on Auto Trader at the moment (8L). Too many are getting scrapped as their age increase. Just reply to the text with: "No thanks, it's too much fun!"
 
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Stuart B said:
Just "good luck" to you, the person I bought my S3 from 17 months ago sent a text just today asking if I still had the S3? shall I sell it back to him? or just ignore the text message?
Click to expand...

Tell him you've had a respray in black and give him mine,that should get you even.

s3mad_dude said:
Too many are getting scrapped as their age increase
Click to expand...

I could add to that list!
 
he has already owned it twice - maybe its his MJ Bad CD under the seat?

your car is miles away from scrap - its just a little smoky!

If you go for a sale and you're worried put in the advert
"Audi S3 £3500 best colour, probably the best condition in the UK with the lowest mileage but a slightly smoky turbo... Turbo o-ring is split, its an easy 10 minute fix and only £5 from ebay"

like all the twits do

don't forget to purposely misspell all the words in your advert, so people think.... "it will be an easy fix but they cannot read a Haynes Manual"

and add in "just needs a service" <-- means knackered and noisy and leaking / burning oil

for the real sympathy vote --> "divorce means the car has to go"

for the its a bargin... snap it up quickly thoughts --> "company car forces sale so cheaply as I need the space" "moving house" "having a baby"
 
Don't think that I need an 'expert' to tell me that my turbo is knackered,thought the noise and smoke was a giveaway and it certainly was...
DSC 0372


Good start to the week :weary:
 
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is the oil in the turbo housing from the TIP of from the turbo housing? eg did you blow a gasket in the engine sending a litre of engine oil through the puck into the 100,000 RPM turbo wheel - causing this catastrophic failure.
 
superkarl said:
Holy ****
Click to expand...

I didn't realize you were that religious :blink: perhaps what's more worrying is that you 'liked' my post of my broken turbo.

Kick a man when he's down come to mind :yes:
 
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Stuart B said:
is the oil in the turbo housing from the TIP of from the turbo housing? eg did you blow a gasket in the engine sending a litre of engine oil through the puck into the 100,000 RPM turbo wheel - causing this catastrophic failure.
Click to expand...

Trust you to look on the bright side,I do not want to be changing a head gasket next!
 
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Tj 0785 said:
Haha at least you still got a sense of humour after finding something like that if I'd found that I would not be at home sat alone
Click to expand...

Not the first turbo I've had go o_O on my last car an intercooler pipe blew off at speed and disintegrated the exhaust wheel,at least I knew that the debris had gone straight out the exhaust,who knows where this lot have ended up.

Looks like I will be spending a lot of time and money in my garage.
 
Haven't even thought about whether to replace or get the turbo refurbished,if possible that is :crying:
 
What terrible luck Tim! Ive told Corrie she'll be either seeing a lot more of you, or a lot less of you depending on what you decide to do!
Did you inspect the turbo when you fitted the Forge TIP?
 
Do the..
head gasket
timing belt
water pump
at the same time as
removing the turbo to fix/replace
Adding a 3 inch downpipe
Changing the oil feed pipes
Adding an Airtec intercooler


Hell... (Religious reference) by the end of all this lot you might be laying down 265bhp

To be fair I don't even bother taking to anyone on forums anymore unless they can essentially replace their DIS with a smartphone like Ian did with one hand tied behind his back over the weekend smashed on 4X, no wonder he gets all the Sheila's

It'll all come good TCG..
 
audi upgrades
Stuart B said:
To be fair I don't even bother taking to anyone on forums anymore unless they can essentially replace their DIS with a smartphone like Ian did with one hand tied behind his back over the weekend smashed on 4X, no wonder he gets all the Sheila's
Click to expand...

God,I feel so inadequate!

I'd be happy with 1bhp right now,I did have a video of the smoking but it was hard to tell if it was me or the car puffing away.
 
s3 Hoggy said:
What terrible luck Tim! Ive told Corrie she'll be either seeing a lot more of you, or a lot less of you depending on what you decide to do!
Did you inspect the turbo when you fitted the Forge TIP?
Click to expand...

I think it was the Forge silicone that 'tipped' it over the edge,found some blue paint on it matching your code :blink: most likely oil starvation and cr@p.

Had the pleasure of speaking to Corrie on Saturday when we gatecrashed the VIP event and checked out their price for a new turbo,just for a laugh.Looks like I'm going to be stupid enough to keep the car so need to start getting my head round getting the turbo off and taking it from there.I'm pretty sure it is toast so I expect I'll have to get a new one.

If only those one's at Wendy's work fitted we'd be quids in!
 
tcg said:
Don't think that I need an 'expert' to tell me that my turbo is knackered,thought the noise and smoke was a giveaway and it certainly was...
View attachment 117348

Good start to the week :weary:
Click to expand...


Hollyyyyy

Good work on that. It is well and truly effed!

Ps. You will be surprised how easy it is to rebuild one.

I'm serious. All you need to take it apart are 10mm spanners and hammer then obviously a rebuild kit , new comp and turbine housing.

You have everything off for easy access so no problems booting it back up like I did with everything still in situ.

If you want help with parts pm me. All you need to do is open her up and hope that there is no scoring on the inside of the housings, rebuild and then get it balanced. Or just buy an already made core to swap in.

Rebuild. Like so.

IMG 2034


IMG 2041


IMG 2042


IMG 2044


P1310995


The wheel drops right in so no need for machining. Whether or not it performs better. Who knows. Well maybe you will if you do the rebuild but at least you'll be back online again :)
 
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It looked and felt ok when I fitted the Forge TIP so I guess it must have been from oil starvation

Thanks for the heads up mate,not sure I trust myself with a hammer although I am puny.

These two places aren't too far from me...

http://www.owendevelopments.co.uk/

http://www.turbotechnics.com/

...so if I manage to get it off the car,will see what they can offer before deciding,although it doesn't look too pretty does it?
 
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