Replacement Turbo Actuators

[sag2]

I just received an email from BD products listing 2007.5-2018 turbo actuators for $595. They say they are OEM Holset units. It does not indicate if they have to be programmed, I would assume they do. But based on some of the prices I have seen lately this seems like a deal worth looking into.
Geno's carries the electronic part only for 2007.5-2012 but they are currently on backorder.

 

[EDankievitch]

I have the city diesel unit so far very happy with it. Guess we will have to see how these BD units hold up.

 

[AfterBurner]

I'm having this problem with my 2014. I ordered the city diesel actuator a few weeks ago, but Geno's said its on backorder through the end of March. It's now at a shop for repair as I am out of town and didn't have time to figure out how to calibrate.

 

[kthaxton]

I replaced mine just last weekend. I used the one from M&D Distributors that was recommended here. I paid $307 (after I send my core in anyway). It is a Cummins Reman and I used Alpha OBD to calibrate it. Worst part of the job is draining the coolant.

New one from the dealer.....$3000, but he said he might go $2700 because I told him about cheaper options.

 

[BigPapa]

I may be wrong, but I believe ANY Actuator is going to have to be calibrated. We use the Cummins remans here at the shop.

 

[kthaxton]

I think there are some out there (complete actuators, not just the half shell) that do not require calibration, but if I am to believe what one of the competitors say (and it makes sense) is that they have a compromised stroke, i.e. the stroke stops just shy of full boost and just shy of full e-brake. It allows for variation I suppose. With the $50 Alpha OBD app available, not sure why anyone would do that however.

 

[BigPapa]

I'm sure you could get lucky, but unless the new Actuator is in the exact same position that the old one was in when it was removed, it can't be right. My brother ran into this on a blend door actuator on his Silverado. Same principle.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I replaced mine just last weekend. I used the one from M&D Distributors that was recommended here. I paid $307 (after I send my core in anyway). It is a Cummins Reman and I used Alpha OBD to calibrate it. Worst part of the job is draining the coolant.

New one from the dealer.....$3000, but he said he might go $2700 because I told him about cheaper options.

My Son just did the M&D, he actually took the old one to their office in Dallas and picked up the Cummins Reman from them. He also used Alpha ODB and MX ultra OBD11 interface.

He is deleted with some type of programmer at 125k. He said the actuator works well but not perfect as when the truck was newer.

He is wondering if it has something to do with the turbo as he rarely used the EB in the past?

 

[kthaxton]

My anecdotal perception (which is likely just wishful thinking) is that acceleration was smoother/better after changing it. Again, could totally be wishful thinking on my part.

 

[EDankievitch]

The City Diesel unit does not require it to be calibrated. It goes through a self calibration test each time you start up.

 

[kthaxton]

Initially, I was considering the City Diesel unit, but it was more than double the cost and half the unit......and since I already had Alpha OBD for calibration, I couldn't think of a logical reason to go that route.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Initially, I was considering the City Diesel unit, but it was more than double the cost and half the unit......and since I already had Alpha OBD for calibration, I couldn't think of a logical reason to go that route.

I believe the 13+ units are complete units. The 07 to 12 are the electronics

 

[EDankievitch]

The brains are the same however for 13 and newer you need an adapter to make the city diesel unit work. All said an done it set me back $850. They claim that they have solved all the issues that cause the factory unit to fail. Time will tell. Hey Carli and EMF have solved the issues with the ball joints.... So I took a chance on this unit. I don’t want to have to replace this thing again.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

https://www.scheiddiesel.com/Turbocharger-Actuator-Holset-Cummins-5494878RX/

Scheid also has an actuator.

 

[Minnow101]

Must be a lot of these failing to have all these 3rd party outlets selling reman's.

 

[BigPapa]

Must be a lot of these failing to have all these 3rd party outlets selling reman's.

Oh, yeah. LOTS of problems. Cummins has changed the part number many times.

 

[EDankievitch]

Nice guy at City Diesel told me the number one issue is the printed circuit board cracking from the heat and cooling cycling. In my case it would work when it was cold then as things warmed up it would crap out. Wasn’t fun when it would fail while the engine brake was on. Only did that once. But once was enough. I hope that City got it right. So far all good.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I hope that City got it right. So far all good.

It would really be nice if they made the units here in the states. They are backordered cause the electronics part is made in China.

 

[seafish]

... City Diesel told me the number one issue is the printed circuit board cracking from the heat and cooling cycling. I hope that City got it right....

So did they spill any details about what they might have changed to help prevent the problem ??

 

[snadamo]

It would really be nice if they made the units here in the states. They are backordered cause the electronics part is made in China.

If that’s the case, I doubt any of these places are making new silicon that’s more resistant to the heat fluctuations. If anything, they’re somehow making the outer casing to dissipate heat more efficiently reducing heat fluctuation. I’m not versed enough in this part to say for certain. BUT, not many people make their own silicon; it’s usually outsourced. Could be wrong though.