Update time for my log on this car.
I replaced the "lift bolts" with new ones and here you can see the slight wear on them after only 50k kms when compared to the new ones. All of you with Toyota VVTI motors... go look if you have these, and if you do, inspect them.
Untitled by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
I finally decided to get at the SC rebuild and made the move to remove the rear clam to do it. I was worried at fist as I was wondering if I could do it with the clam on, and I'm glad I didn't even try that route.
All this comes out to remove the clam.
Untitled by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
... however no the access is amazing.
Untitled by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
Untitled by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
Then came removing the SC. What a pain in the assay. Someone in their infinite wisdom came up with this as a solution.
Untitled by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
I had to get a file on a 6mm ball head allen key to finesse it in there and prayed that it didn't strip. Thankfully it didn't, but I'll be replacing it with a fresh cap head anyway to be sure it won't cause me issue next time. This seems like a one use bolt situation to be sure its always able to be removed easily in future. I'll also use some anti seize to add piece of mind.
The close proximity to the fire wall and the size of the SC made for some finely selected words as it gradually wiggled out.
Supercharger rebuild by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
Here you can see where the oil has been leaking out. It looks like some of the RTV around the bolts has let go as well.
Supercharger rebuild by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
Supercharger rebuild by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
lastly I can see I was running about half full on the SC, and the oil is shimmery on the front end. Next up I'll be cracking open the SC to see what happened inside.
Untitled by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr
Untitled by
Duane Jacka, on Flickr