Volvo Repair: 98 S70 GLT Turbo, drain coolant, coolant lines

Question
Hello My turbo has stopped working and I would l ike to know if you can tell me or do you have detailed instructions on how to replace the turbo and is it reasonal to purchase a used turbo with low miles on it

Answer
The directions available to me are very mediocre at best.  They are not very detailed.  The following things need to be done:
1 - remove all intake tubing attached to the turbo
2 - remove the heat shield
3 - drain coolant
4 - remove the coolant lines
5 - remove the oil supply and oil return lines
6 - remove and mark all the turbo control valve vacuum hoses
7 - remove the down pipe
8 - remove the 4 bolts holding the turbo to the manifold
9 - lift out

install is in the revers order, for someone who has never done one before but has the proper tools and good mechanical skills it should take about 8-10 hours.  It is a fairly easy job.  Be sure not to lose any of the copper washers on the banjo bolts for the oil/coolant lines.  If you do not put those back in you are guaranteed to have leaks. exhaust gaskets can be reused as long as they do not get damaged on removal.  The oil return line gasket we need to be replaced so make sure you have a replacement before you start.

A used turbo is not a problem at all.  They are almost 800 brand new after all.  Just be sure that it came off a car that has had regular oil changes.  That is the number one cause of premature turbo failure.  After you receive it look in the oil supply and return holes and make sure there is no gummed up oil or particles in there and that it spins freely.  As long as it looks okay it will not be an issue.  After you replace the turbo it may smoke for a little while but that is normal, especially if your last turbo had an oil leak.  Good luck.  If you run into any situation where you cannot figure out how to get a component off feel free to contact me again and I can give you more detailed instructions.

James