[335powers]

Biggest error I have ever made to date

Installed some Cyba air scoops a couple weeks ago and figured I would open my air box to clean the filter and remove any dirt or debris. Opened it up plugged intake tubes with fresh Scott shop cloths (blue ones) and used compressed air to blow all the debris out. Got sidetracked with other things only to return and put the filter and cover back on. Drove the next morning and noticed reduced power after 1200 rpms and never made it past 40. Was going through possible causes in my head and I remembered. Oh f###, I left those cloths in the intake pipes. Turned around and limped home. Maybe went a total of 3-4 miles round trip.

Started tearing the front end down and tried to use a flexible grabber to no avail. Ended up taking the front turbo inlet pipe off and retrieved 95% of the one cloth. It was stuck at the turbo inlet. The turbo had begun to slice bits of the cloth (remaining 5% is either on the turbo blades or somewhere else in the system. Retrieved a few small pieces but still see at least one more piece.

Any ideas of how thorough I should be? I don't want to half a$$ anything and be out two turbos in the near future. I plan on removing every piece visible and then reassembling the front end.

Also have not started on the rear turbo where I expect the same result (cloth stuck right at turbo) and good ways to get to this end of the rear turbo inlet pipe. I'll be putting the car up on jack stands to gain access to the bottom of the car.

Any info, insight or past experience is greatly appreciated. I tried searching but that only returned results for those who lost torx bolts down the inlet pipe(front)

[CustomColours]

Just pull out the other cloth buy removing the rear intake tube just like you did the front. And as lo g as that is paper towel I would hope that no ditremental damage has been done. At least in thw engine anyway as it would simply be burned and thrown out the exhaust You may have to wory mind you that the turbo shaft has been beat up a bit and you may have to check for bent fins and excessive shaft play.

[jdbretz]

Any pieces that made it through the turbo would likely get caught on the hot side of the intercooler, so you could check there as well.

[135Pats]

Yea see if there's any unusual play in the shaft. But the material isn't of too much concern if you fished most of it out, that's pretty soft and pliable stuff. Still, be sure to do a thorough check.

[boom]

I wonder if you could blow compressed air backwards through the FMIC hot pipe. The turbos would spin in reverse but not fast enough to hurt anything. Block off one inlet at the air box and you should have enough force to push the cloth out. Just a thought.

[335powers]

Thanks for the replies. I will check for excessive play/ bent fins and of course remove any remaining bits I can see.

Any tips for getting the rear intake duct off the turbo? i.e access point , method? Trying to do this all without draining any fluids while still being thorough.

[///3dkn]

Oh no!

I hope all is well

[joec500]

The rear inlet is a pain...You may have to remove DP's and bend back this bracket that holds the rear inlet on the turbo.

[335powers]

Put the car on jack stands. Not sure how to attempt getting to rear turbo inlet without removing DP's. and to get those out on an xi requires dropping the subframe. This sounds like a lot of fun. Not sure where I'm gonna get two more jacks from but I'll figure something out.

Took off the IC to check for debris and you guys were right. Hot side of IC had some finely shredded blue fibers. Also found out that an OCC should definitely be my next priority with the amount of oil I saw in my IC! Will let it drain overnight and see how much comes out. Will certainly clean it out before reassembling things. Also found a bunch of dirt and leaves in between IC and radiator.

[blisstik]

You might as well buy an aftermarket FMIC. BTW: FMIC is essentially an oil catch can for this car. Just have to clean it every year.

Originally Posted by 335powers

Put the car on jack stands. Not sure how to attempt getting to rear turbo inlet without removing DP's. and to get those out on an xi requires dropping the subframe. This sounds like a lot of fun. Not sure where I'm gonna get two more jacks from but I'll figure something out.

Took off the IC to check for debris and you guys were right. Hot side of IC had some finely shredded blue fibers. Also found out that an OCC should definitely be my next priority with the amount of oil I saw in my IC! Will let it drain overnight and see how much comes out. Will certainly clean it out before reassembling things. Also found a bunch of dirt and leaves in between IC and radiator.

[jdbretz]

It may be a long shot, but if you have a shop vac, you may be able to suck the towel back out. You could also buy hose small enough to fit through the rear intake and attach it to the vacuum to pull out towel. It should create enough suction to drag the towel back out. Either way it may be worth a shot.