LandCruiser 70 Series V8 Turbo Replacement (With the Engine Out)

This LandCruiser 70 Series turbo replacement turned into a bigger job than it first looked. The V8 diesel came into our Mudgeeraba workshop with a turbocharger failure, and we traced it to a broken blade on the exhaust impeller. Fitting a new turbo was the easy part. Getting the old one out was the real challenge.

What we found

With the turbo inspected, the cause was clear: one of the blades on the exhaust impeller had broken. The exhaust side of a turbo spins at enormous speed in very hot exhaust gas, so a broken blade throws the wheel out of balance and the turbo can’t do its job. Once that happens, replacement is the only real fix.

The complication was access. Several of the bolts holding the turbo in place were rusted and damaged. Forcing them out with the engine in the car risked snapping them off in the manifold or doing more damage to surrounding parts. So we made the call to remove the engine to get proper, safe access to the turbo and those fasteners.

What the LandCruiser 70 Series turbo replacement involved

• Identifying the failed exhaust impeller as the cause of the turbo failure
• Removing the engine from the 70 Series to reach the turbo safely
• Dealing with the rusted and damaged bolts so everything goes back together properly
• Fitting a brand new turbo
• Refitting the engine, then full testing before handing it back

It’s a good reminder that sometimes the repair itself is only half the job. Getting to the failed part, and making sure everything around it is right, can take just as much work.

Signs your turbo is on the way out

Turbos rarely fail without warning. Get your diesel checked if you notice any of these:

• A noticeable loss of power, or the engine going into limp mode
• A whistling, whining or siren-like noise that’s louder than usual
• Blue, grey or excessive black smoke from the exhaust
• Oil leaks around the turbo or higher than normal oil use
• The check engine light coming on

Catching a turbo problem early can stop broken pieces or oil from causing damage elsewhere in the engine and exhaust.

Why turbos fail

Some turbo failures are simple wear and tear on a hard-working diesel. Others come down to things you can control. Oil is the big one: a turbo relies on a constant supply of clean oil, so overdue oil changes and sludgy oil shorten its life. Blocked air filters, intake leaks and foreign objects getting into the intake or exhaust can also damage the wheels.

For 4WDs that tow, carry weight or spend time off-road, regular servicing with quality oil and filters is the best protection your turbo can get. Our logbook servicing covers this, and every service is a chance to spot turbo and intake problems early.

LandCruiser repairs at our Mudgeeraba workshop

Bigger jobs like this one are done at our Mudgeeraba workshop, where we have the space and equipment to pull an engine. If your 70 Series or any other diesel is down on power or making new noises, book in for a diagnosis or call 0478 499 369.