bradf1975

I bought a M20-E with a low mid time engine turbo normalized. The turbo worked fine when I bought the plane. I bougt it in TN and the previous owner never used the turbo below 9000'. Afew months later I was departing KGUC, (7700msl) eguaged the turbo and nothing happened for 5 minutes. I was light, and it was cold that day so I had enough power to maintain a decent climb. After 5 min the turbo came alive and the manifold pressure went through the roof. Upon my return to KAPA I had the shop check it out. Apparently the former lack of use caused a carbon buildup in the bearings that slowed the initial spoolup of the turbo. The overhaul and labor cost about $5k. I love the turbo and it is worth every penny to me flying in the mountains most of the time. If I had it to do over I would have had checked at least the inlet side of the turbo and the freedom of the bearings before purchase.