PEUGEOT 206 - 206 Turbo Play

Q
I've recently bought an unfinished 206 project car. The previous owner had planned to fit a turbo charger, but never got round to it and included the turbo with the sale of the car. I've tried to check over the turbo and there seems to be loads of end play in the shaft if I move it in and out or up and down. Is this a problem and do you think the turbo is stuffed?

A
We covered stripping and inspecting a turbo in the February 2009 issue of Performance French Cars magazine. You'll need a dial gauge to measure the amount of play in the main shaft (available from Draper - www.draper.co.uk). Secure the turbo in a vice and attach the dial gauge using a magnetic stand. Try moving the main shaft of the turbo in and out to check for thrust play. There should be no more than 0.1mm. Also, move the shaft up and down. There should be no more than 0.5mm.
Aside from play in the main shaft, there are other inspection issues you need to be concerned with, including the condition of the compressor and turbine wheels and whether there are any cracks in the turbo's body.