[SCFrost]

I was driving home from the Redskins game this evening, having a little fun

, and all of a sudden, LOTS of steam

. The temp gauge is not looking too bad but, definitely antifreeze. Upon initial examination, the steam is coming from the small vacume hose that goes from the valve cover to the air intake next to the turbo. It purpose is to act as a crankcase breather. There is nothing left of that hose located near the turbo. It looks like it exploded!

Anyone else ever have this happen? What was the solution? I am thinking time for a new turbo but would like to hear from anyone else. Anyone have a spare turbo in the DC area they would like to unload?

94 850 Turbo, 95K miles, IPD ECU, IPD Springs & Strut Brace, Bilstein shocks & Struts.

 

[Kai]

Ask Prospero, he might still have that old turbo sitting somewhere. He also had some expereince in similar situation....

 

[NoahK24]

I don't think your turbo is done for. Prospero would know but don't do anything to the turbo though, it might be a big waste of money.

 

[Prospero]

I can come and take a look at the car for you, or better yet, bring it to me where I have my tools and spares. Drop me an e mail and I will give you my contact info. I can pull away in the evenings after 6 PM. I work in Bethesda so maybe we can meet up in that area. Drop me a line and well meet up.

Prospero

 

[SCFrost]

Here was the cause. Next time you are under your hood, take a look at where the upper heater hose goes to. It is not easy to find. That is where the coolant was coming from. Believe me, you will never check that hose. One needs to completely remove the airbox to get at it.
Now why the breather hose looks the way it did? My guess is the turbo was so hot from using the boost and no coolant it melted it. It was smoking! That, along with being soaked from the coolant hose made it look like thats where the coolant came from. Hey at 1 am in the morning under shopping center lights...OK...and possibly a beer or two...anything is possible.
I have yet to get the car back together. I am hoping that no further damage was done to the engine or the turbo. I do know the engine appears to run OK but, will not know until I get it back on the road later today.
It has been interesting since my car died. I have been riding in a stock 2001 S40. All I have to say is, I still plan on keeping my 850 for a good long time!

 

[Prospero]

Glad to hear that all is well with your car. I have a good feeling that there was no damage beyond the hoses. Be sure and steam clean the engine otherwise the antifreeze goo will collect dirt. Have fun getting the car back together. BTW, I agree with the driving the 850 vs. the S40. I have been driving everything under the sun since last month and still love my 850 more than everything I have tried. I even dorve the 430 CLK, S4 Avant (both man and auto), '01 V70 XC, and BMW 740i. It will take something pretty serious to give me reason to ditch the 850.

Prospero