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'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.

 

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

 

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

 

$27,000?

For a new turbo & installation?

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

.

 

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

 

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.

 

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 ...

 

You change it just before it blows.

 

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.