when to replace turbo ?

[heavyhaulerss]

Do turbo's need replacing at a certain time or mileage? I have not had any problem out of mine. however my engine has over 1.3 mil on it with original turbo. the last thing I want is for a major component to go out while on the road. I'm the preventative maintenance kind of guy. so should I replace or just keep what I got? also.. I remember turbo's on the 500 detroits going out like crazy a while back. I believe it was the turbo mfr & not detroit diesel. what was the failing brand & the good one?

[Windwalker]

I'd pull the pipes off the turbo so that I could grab it and see if it has any play. If there is any radial movement in the shaft, or if there is evidence of oil leaking through the seals, I would replace it. If it's solid and spins free, I would not be too concerned. With the mileage you mentioned, I would expect it to be a little loose. I guess I'd consider it "paid for" at this point.

When I blew a turbo, last year, it was a $27000 repair, including towing. Look for evidence of oil in the pipe to the intercooler. On the exhaust side, it should get burned as soon as it leaks out.

[Rev.Vassago]

When I blew a turbo, last year, it was a $27000 repair, including towing.

If you paid $27,000, you definitely overpaid.:rofl:

[FunkRider]

27,000? Even if the impeller exploded the chunks should not travel past the intercooler.

[Kranky]

$27,000?

For a new turbo & installation?

You could buy 2 complete factory rebuilt engines for $27,000.00.

.

[Windwalker]

My error... It was $2700. Didn't look at how many zeros I put in there
Sorry.

[bob h]

Do turbo's need replacing at a certain time or mileage? I have not had any problem out of mine. however my engine has over 1.3 mil on it with original turbo. the last thing I want is for a major component to go out while on the road. I'm the preventative maintenance kind of guy. so should I replace or just keep what I got? also.. I remember turbo's on the 500 detroits going out like crazy a while back. I believe it was the turbo mfr & not detroit diesel. what was the failing brand & the good one?


Turbocharger wear IS measureable. The turbo prop shaft is checked for axial and radial play. If you grab each end of the shaft, push down on one end and pull up on the other. If you can make the turbine or compressor wheel touch the housing, it's worn out. This movement, as well as the axial movement, should be measured with a dial indicator. Also, the turbo wheels wear from air abrasion and you could very well notice a big difference in performance/boost pressure if you replace a worn turbo. Then, there's seals, the turbo is fed lube oil at engine oil pressure, so they can pump oil through to the intake, and cause an internal meltdown.

[tracer]

Do turbo's need replacing at a certain time or mileage? I have not had any problem out of mine. however my engine has over 1.3 mil on it with original turbo. the last thing I want is for a major component to go out while on the road. I'm the preventative maintenance kind of guy. so should I replace or just keep what I got? also.. I remember turbo's on the 500 detroits going out like crazy a while back. I believe it was the turbo mfr & not detroit diesel. what was the failing brand & the good one?

I still have the original CAT manual in my 2004 truck. I looked at the maintenance schedule and CAT recommends checking the TURBO around 300,000 miles (I think). So, I took the truck to a CAT dealer and had inspected the turbo inside and out and gave me a clean bill of health. I'd go by what the manual recommends ...

[allan5oh]

You change it just before it blows.

[FunkRider]

That 300,000 mile number comes from doing the bare minimum on maintenance. Good quality oil changes and air filter changes on time and proper care with a very cold/hot turbo will net much longer life from a turbo.

Turbo shaft play doesn't usually go from zero to out of service spec in 10,000 miles either. Check on it on a regular basis and you'll spot a problem before it happens.

[heavyhaulerss]

Thanks for the info.

[Maniac]

You change it just before it blows.



I tried that but missed it by a minute or so.............it was at 830,000, dealer said it was WAY past time.

[Bandit102]

I just replaced the one on my Cummins this weekend. Put in new injectors and 640 miles later lost the turbo. Its an easy fix to do yourself. Got the reman turbo from Freightliner for $622. Seems like the shops always over price them...big time. I gotta completely echo what Bob H said. I didn't bother checking mine when I overhauled the engine at 964,000 and put it in this truck. I've got about 79,500 on the overhaul now. I should have used the old dial indicator on the turbo.

[FunkRider]

Dial indicator isn't required for the quick checks you should be periodically doing. Try to wiggle it with your fingers and give it a spin. If it has a questionable amount of movement then bust out the dial indicator.

[heavyhaulerss]

sooo.. new or rebuilt ? and replacement can be done without any special tools or equip ?

[heavyhaulerss]

what about brand ? holset, garrett , borg warner, Iinternet diesel new, no core needed for $650.00. the diesel store rebuilt garrett for $486.00.

[moe]

I put a brand new garrett on my Cummins and it did a great job. I did not need an exchange and it was half the price of the Holset. As far as installation the most important thing to remember is to prime the oil inlet so it's well lubed when starting. I put oil in both the supply and return sides (of bearing) and rotate rotor to make sure the oil gets in there good. Also when you first start engine let it idle several minutes before reving up or driving. It's a good idea to let the engine idle down for a few minutes after parking to allow the turbo to cool down(after running hard) that will help increase turbo life

[Fredog]

Do turbo's need replacing at a certain time or mileage? I have not had any problem out of mine. however my engine has over 1.3 mil on it with original turbo. the last thing I want is for a major component to go out while on the road. I'm the preventative maintenance kind of guy. so should I replace or just keep what I got? also.. I remember turbo's on the 500 detroits going out like crazy a while back. I believe it was the turbo mfr & not detroit diesel. what was the failing brand & the good one?
you should always carry the rubber hose and wire with you, if it gets a hole in it, it can cause serious problems and is very expensive to have fixed on the road,you can change it yourself in few minutes provided you have one with you