How easy should the supercharger spin?
#1
How easy should the supercharger spin?
I'm just getting around to replacing my harmonic damper and I was checking out the SC and I am curious if this is normal.
Should the SC spin freely like a turbo compressor wheel, where you can spin it and it keeps moving once you let go? I can turn mine with two fingers, but it doesn't spin like a turbo.
I also noticed when I turn it, it squeaks.
Also, if I turn it back and forth, it makes a sound similar to the sound a transmission makes when you spin a rotor by hand back and forth.
There's no play in the pulley at all, however.
Should the SC spin freely like a turbo compressor wheel, where you can spin it and it keeps moving once you let go? I can turn mine with two fingers, but it doesn't spin like a turbo.
I also noticed when I turn it, it squeaks.
Also, if I turn it back and forth, it makes a sound similar to the sound a transmission makes when you spin a rotor by hand back and forth.
There's no play in the pulley at all, however.
#2
#6
The SuperCharger should spin without binding. They do have resistance and will not spin as freely as a turbo unit. That is why superchargers need engine power to turn which they call "parasitic drag". So if you are getting resistance than it is normal. Any noises you get like squeaking, clicking grinding sounds is not normal and they should at least be investigated.
#7
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
I have a Spare 7000 mile SC...it does have some resistance....but is smooth...with no water pimp mated. If it was installed...with water in the pump, and no place but a stopped motor to pump the air to from spinning the SC, I would imagine it would be hard to turn.
Trending Topics
#8
The SuperCharger should spin without binding. They do have resistance and will not spin as freely as a turbo unit. That is why superchargers need engine power to turn which they call "parasitic drag". So if you are getting resistance than it is normal. Any noises you get like squeaking, clicking grinding sounds is not normal and they should at least be investigated.
In the turbo...tollerances are compartivly loose...due to space needed for more thermal expansion, and the higher speeds involved. So yes, when not connected a turbo will often have less drag....
Just making sure future readers have the correct info!!
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
#9
Well I pulled my SC today and the gears looked perfect and the fluid level was good.
Rear:
![How easy should the supercharger spin?-iqkwi.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/stock-problems-issues/197363d1683126520t-how-easy-should-the-supercharger-spin-iqkwi.jpg)
Front:
![How easy should the supercharger spin?-mynyo.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/stock-problems-issues/197364d1683126520t-how-easy-should-the-supercharger-spin-mynyo.jpg)
Not a single metal chip in either.
My only concern is when I am rotating the charger by hand, at very random intervals I will hear an occasional metal on metal sound. I can rotate it 30 times and then it will do the sound once, then rotate it 5 times the the sound, then 100 times, etc.
Is this normal? I don't understand why the metal sound would be so random. This happens without the nose and rear, so I am assuming it is the rotors. Is it time for a rebuild?
Rear:
![How easy should the supercharger spin?-iqkwi.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/stock-problems-issues/197363d1683126520t-how-easy-should-the-supercharger-spin-iqkwi.jpg)
Front:
![How easy should the supercharger spin?-mynyo.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/stock-problems-issues/197364d1683126520t-how-easy-should-the-supercharger-spin-mynyo.jpg)
Not a single metal chip in either.
My only concern is when I am rotating the charger by hand, at very random intervals I will hear an occasional metal on metal sound. I can rotate it 30 times and then it will do the sound once, then rotate it 5 times the the sound, then 100 times, etc.
Is this normal? I don't understand why the metal sound would be so random. This happens without the nose and rear, so I am assuming it is the rotors. Is it time for a rebuild?
#10
If you go GM... They sell the special SC oil.....I would definately use freash if you do seal it back up. I'm not sure about you question...but if it was fine before you took it off...I would not worry. It is still makes good boost...great...but I can say grayraven did see a nice performance boost with the newer coated SC (he had a few other items fixed too, so it is tuff to tell howcmuch came from just the fresh SC).
I guess it is a cost vs risk thing...you seem handy...you can reinstall it... Run it till convienant, the swap it out...rebuilds can take a few weeks if they don't have a unit to exchange. For this reason I found a very lightly used SC cheap off a wreck..heck, a high millage one might be cheap enough to rebuild and keep as a standby!!
I guess it is a cost vs risk thing...you seem handy...you can reinstall it... Run it till convienant, the swap it out...rebuilds can take a few weeks if they don't have a unit to exchange. For this reason I found a very lightly used SC cheap off a wreck..heck, a high millage one might be cheap enough to rebuild and keep as a standby!!
#12
79,200 back from 2002 ![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
I think I'm going to seal it back up and hope for the best. Don't really have the funds for a rebuild right now. Should I use anaerobic sealer or try out a thin bead of rtv?
EDIT: I also found out the clanking from moving one direction to another was simply the little bit of play between the water pump and supercharger "external forks" or whatever they are. The squeeking is also the water pump. Is this normal?
![Thumbs Up](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb-up.gif)
I think I'm going to seal it back up and hope for the best. Don't really have the funds for a rebuild right now. Should I use anaerobic sealer or try out a thin bead of rtv?
EDIT: I also found out the clanking from moving one direction to another was simply the little bit of play between the water pump and supercharger "external forks" or whatever they are. The squeeking is also the water pump. Is this normal?
Last edited by plasticknives; 03-17-2010 at 02:42 PM.
#13
the manual says anerobic sealer...my Mini Guy says gray RTV works better, and is a bit better at sealing the two mating surfaces...I have not yet decided which way I'm going....I'd be interested to hear opinions too!!
The water pump does use plastic impellers..
..look to see if the water pump shaft shows any sign that seal has wear...maybe a bit of dried coolant stains....
If putting on a new/rebuilt SC I would put on a new pump...
The water pump does use plastic impellers..
![Frown](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
If putting on a new/rebuilt SC I would put on a new pump...
#14
the manual says anerobic sealer...my Mini Guy says gray RTV works better, and is a bit better at sealing the two mating surfaces...I have not yet decided which way I'm going....I'd be interested to hear opinions too!!
The water pump does use plastic impellers..
..look to see if the water pump shaft shows any sign that seal has wear...maybe a bit of dried coolant stains....
If putting on a new/rebuilt SC I would put on a new pump...
The water pump does use plastic impellers..
![Frown](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
If putting on a new/rebuilt SC I would put on a new pump...
#16
![How easy should the supercharger spin?-j34kx.jpg](https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachments/stock-problems-issues/197359d1683126520t-how-easy-should-the-supercharger-spin-j34kx.jpg)
It hasn't hit the seat yet, but I would rather replace the head now instead of having to do it later once the cracks reaches the seat. For the price of getting it welded, regrinding the seat, etc. I'd rather just pick up a good, used head for $400.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
patsum
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
26
05-29-2021 06:29 PM
sempaipaul
MINI Parts for Sale
4
09-09-2015 05:55 PM
Mini Mania
Drivetrain Products
0
09-03-2015 03:01 PM