Engine issues trying my patience again
 

After just a few weeks of reliable running and fun, the turbo started making a racket so fitted the known good used spare I obtained a few weeks ago to replace this troublesome refurbed turbo this weekend. On removing I decided I must have other issues too unless this deposit is from this turbo as it came out rusty coloured.
I thought if the headgasket was going you would get white smoke and poor running but in these cooler mornings of late the old girl has been flying. This 2nd hand turbo is also much quieter, though also very slightly down on power probably due to an internal build up of gunge, but at least it doesn't smoke or groan and whine.......
If it is a gasket issue which would be un believable after I used the RS2 metal gasket and had the head skimmed flat before fitting last year, then it looks like the car is going off the road in October for a LONG time as may as well do the bottom end upgrade whilst I am at it...
Nothing but trouble these engines, should have stuck with the original plan of a 2.5 20v 7A...:arf::wall::grr:

Watercooled centre bearing? May have a cracked housing perchance?

Certainly looks like rusty water. How much radial movement is present on the spindle? The rustiness could be the result of excessive wear. Which given the noises etc is a possibility.

No movement...Not sure if there is a route for the water jacket on the turbo to reach the spindle but have added some radweld in a desperate attempt to keep it going until Octobers SORN if it is the gasket.
Other issue too, as the turbo is now quieter I can now hear what sounds like a massive boost leak but only at full boost and sounds as though its right behind the bulkhead around the servo area. Doh?!:wall: