Turbo Actuator Replacement

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Hi,

Just wanted to do a write-up on my experience with a bad turbo actuator. Sorry I didn't think to take any good pics.

When I bought this '14 it had an active code U010C - Lost Communication with Turbocharger
I got a pretty good deal on the truck so I figured I could handle whatever it was. Truck ran decent, granted I've never driven a 6.7 before. Boost was low @ 15lb max, Exhaust Brake wasn't very effective. I researched many posts, procedures, tools etc... Finally decided on having the actuator rebuilt. This company out of Tennessee is who I eventually went with. https://www.autoecu.com/turbo-actua...7l-turbo-actuator-he300vg-oem-repair-service/
Repair service incl return shipping $389.00
They also have a reman for $789.00

I live in NC so your shipping times may vary, but shipping, repair, and return shipping to my house took exactly 1 week. You fill out a form with your VIN, mileage, address, reason for repair etc...
Only thing I didn't care for, is they ship it back to you with a warranty form and that's it. No description of repairs made. No big deal though - except to satisfy my own curiosity.

Now for the calibration procedure - that's where it gets tricky. I wish we could get together and compile a list of scan tools/programmers that are able to do the calibration procedure. Luckily I am on great terms with my Matco Dealer and borrowed a Maximus 2.0 for the day.

I also ordered the stuff to do the Arduino process - didn't try it though, still trying to wrap my head around the coding. It's all here if you are interested. https://mopar1973man.com/cummins/ar...-holset-he300ve-with-arduino-controller-r531/

There is this method described by this gentleman - use at your own risk though. Post #18
https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...powertrain/1866602-6-7-vgt-calibration-2.html

I won't get in to actual step by step R&R here, but would be happy to help if any questions on that part.

So I plugged rebuilt actuator in, ran pre-install calibration. Installed on turbo and ran calibration procedure. Actuator working perfectly now, 30+ psi boost, EB works great also. Can't believe how much power a good running 6.7 has stock

Now we will see how long the rebuilt one lasts.


Steven

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Of course after I write this, TDR #104 is in the mailbox today, with a write up on turbo actuators. The actuator shown from City Diesel really piqued my interest - in all my searching it never showed up? I guess my google-fu is weak Hope they offer it for HE300VG. Only showing '07.5-'12 right now.
https://www.genosgarage.com/product/ram-cummins-turbo-actuator-halp-act12c1/engine

https://www.citydiesel.net/index.php?action=viewitem&itemid=27185

 

[JR]

This is good stuff. Should be stickied for the gen 4 owners - because the alternative is a trip to the dealer and a roughly $2500 repair bill.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Well trip to the dealer or a second gen swap to a non-waste gated turbo. Or you could even drop in a Cheetah VGT which i would have done then i would have options to run compounds using the "factory" turbo placement.

If i could go back I would have chosen the Cheetah VGT as a replacement over the factory when my actuator went out.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Welp. Jinxed myself talking up rebuilt actuators. Made it 3 months and U010C code along w/driveability issues started back this week.
Debating my next course of action. Under warranty so can send back to get rebuilt again. Or buy reman actuator - prices have dropped considerably. Can now buy reman actuators for same as a rebuild service.

 

[JR]

Bummer! Have you contacted autoecu? That would be enough money for me to try the warranty and hope you just got a bad one. Please keep us updated.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Yeah, I will email them this week and go from there.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Well, had actuator replaced under warranty. I believe they just sent me another instead of rebuilding mine again. Immediately got P003A code after install and calibration though. Passed Pre-calibration and Calibration with AlfaOBD, pulled it off and recalibrated 3 or 4 times. Tired of paying for shipping both ways and waiting a week or so, going with genuine Cummins Reman this time since price dropped considerably.

Not sure I would recommend AutoECU after this, they are not very forthcoming with email replies etc...

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Cummins Reman Part #5494878RX actuator installed and working perfectly.

 

[JR]

Cummins Reman Part #5494878RX actuator installed and working perfectly.

Do you mind sharing where you bought this from? Local Cummins parts house or?

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

I purchased it from our local Freightliner dealer. We buy from them on a daily basis, so I even got it at a good deal, and delivered to me at work.

 

[BigPapa]

ANDDDddddddd, CUMMINS has come out with ANOTHER updated Actuator.

5601240NX, and they're back up to well over $1K....

Not trying to incite a riot, but you better grab you a 5494878RX if you can.

 

[Ozymandias]

I'd never buy an old part that is already superseded, they aren't change a part for no reason.

 

[EDankievitch]

Superseded is not a bad thing. Some changes solve problems found along the way...

 

[BigPapa]

Well, Cummins said to use the 5494878RX's until they're gone.

We have a bus that we put a Turbo, Actuator, EGR Valve, EGR Cooler, and a set of injectors in. 600 miles later it's still throwing code 1896. Now they've told us to replace the Turbo and Actuator again, and the dealer doing the diag gave me 5601240NX for the Actuator. I called Cummins to double check the part number and they said it is a new number but to use the 5484978RX until I can't get one.

 

[Ozymandias]

Sure, they want to sell the old stock first.
It's like Walmart, i always grab products from the wall end of the shelf, there is the new stuff, the old is in front.