Volvo Repair: 1994 Volvo 940 Turbo Wagons working on Turbo #3, flame trap, 1994 volvo 940

Question
Hi Phil!
Thanks for letting me borrow your experience!
I am thinking on buying a 1994 940 Turbo Wagon.

My friend was offered a whopping $100 from CarMax for it, and I told him I'd double their offer . . .  
My question is:  He had to have the Turbo replaced (by a Vovlo dealership) a year or so ago -- since it was billowing thick smoke.  It is now doing the same thing.  Alas, the warranty on the replacement has expired, of course.  But from what I can tell, there is a rash of Turbo-dying in these cars.  If I purchase this car and replace the Turbo again, will it poop out again in another couple years?  Weren't the turbos supplied by Mitsubishi?  What's your professional opinion of this situation?

OK, so that's more than ONE question . . . .  :-)

Thanks, in advance, for your advice!
Best regards from Sunny South Texas!
Traci

Answer
The 940 turbos were very good. Hardly have any problems with them. Depending on how many miles you have, these cars had virtually no problems with turbos. I've seen them go at least 200k miles with proper oil changes and maintenance. Is the turbo for sure out or is there something else?

I would check the flame trap hose on this car to make sure it's not restricted . Non turbos have a flame trap, much like a pcv valve on other cars. Turbos have no flame trap but they do have a breather hose that runs to a box on the side of the engine under the intake that connects to the crankcase. There is asmall vacuum hose connected to it and the intake manifold. Check the complete hose and fitting and vacuum hose and vacuum port. If it's old and hard, replace it. Then blow thru the box and make sure it is clear.

Best of luck!