Appreciation post: I finally listened to that old-timer about using ATF for a stuck turbo vane

Had a 2012 Duramax with a completely frozen VGT actuator, and after soaking it in PB Blaster for two days with no luck, I tried the old automatic transmission fluid trick. Freed it up in about an hour and saved the customer a turbo replacement. Anyone have a different go-to for this besides ATF or PB?

2 comments

2 Comments

milaprice9d ago

My uncle swears by brake fluid for that.

the_ruby8d ago

Wait, brake fluid? That's a new one. @milaprice, I'd be real careful with that stuff. Brake fluid eats paint and softens rubber seals, which is the last thing you want near a turbo actuator. ATF works because it's got detergents and is made to handle heat and pressure, not strip things. I've seen brake fluid ruin a master cylinder's internals, so putting it on a precision part seems risky.