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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?
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milaprice1mo ago
My uncle swears by brake fluid for that.
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the_ruby1mo 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.
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