City Diesel Turbo Actuator

[Topzide]

Just had to replace my actuator on my 2014 with 165k and almost 5k hours combined. Sucks to have to do at this time of year and without a garage/shop to do the work in!
On the upside of things, the City Diesel actuator is a well designed replacement for our trucks! Very well done machining on the gear case along with straight forward info on the whole process. Truck cleared the CEL light on start up! On thing One thing I can recommend is since you need to drain coolant, replace your radiator hoses also. I had already had them to replace the next time the coolant needed to be flushed out which would've been next fall. I had gotten some aluminum Y's to put in mine since mine is the dual radiator setup. Also got all new t-bolt stainless clamps. I know the newer Y's don't have those issues anymore, but wanted to add some "bling" to the engine compartment.
Haven't had a long drive yet with the new actuator but looking forward to it! Will update with any info about any difference noticed of both acceleration and EB.
The install wasn't terrible. The removal was a bear! One allen head stripped out! On the 3500's with the shock tower being in the way, , drilling a hole was the best advice given from TDR article in #114 & #115. In the spring, I'll Tig weld up the hole. Probably wouldn't be and issue, but since I've got a scratch start Tig setup, might as well patch it up while doing other welding that's planned for the warmer weather. 50's not 30's with wind! Other PIA was with die grinder cleaning up the surface of the turbo. Tight quarters for sure!
Hat's off to City for offering an option that doesn't need to be calibrated, just plug and play! If you get the dreaded codes of U0010C or the P0003A, just pony up and get it on order and plan on replacement! Genos also through in the 5mm allen bit needed for the removal and install!

 

[Topzide]

Small update: have drive a short bit on local travels. Seems like acceleration is a touch smoother with more boost than I remember when watching. With the EB on manual, it's not that harsh turn on! It's a more gentle ramp up! There is a few hills were the EB would be at 54 and now it's closer to 70. Won't be able to tell the full story until I can get out on interstate with more speed and grades! The road I'll travel has a couple 6% grades. (I know, come out west) So far I like how the truck responds now. Will provide more feed back after holidays traveling. In the mean time, Merry Christmas - Happy Hanukkah - and Happy any other I've missed!!!!

 

[Topzide]

800 miles on actuator now, handled the grades without any issues! Both the up and down were smoother than before! Traveled the same route, so was good comparison. The downhill grades didn't throw you forward when the EB would engage in manual as it would before. The uphill boost and smooth throttle response was like driving a new truck! Wish it had been this way from new! Put new rubber on while out of town, wasn't hard to be pushing 80 without realizing it! Gotta get used to the power and smoother ride or I'll get an invite to the LEO Ball! If your truck is spitting codes U0010C or P0003A, order the City actuator and get it over!

 

[Topzide]

Just a bit of an update and FYI. Since doing this repair, I've been chasing a coolant leak from a hose since I replace all radiator hoses. Once it got warm, all the dripping stopped! Was banging my head on the grille! Finally had a chance to dive in and address it. Was barely losing more the a couple ounces a week. Have a HF radiator pressure tester, Put on truck and pumped up to pressure and found the culprit! Slight turn on clamp adjustment and leak was gone. This is the 4 time this tool has made finding a problem so easy! Gotta say that with the City Diesel Actuator, truck if a pleasure to drive and love how responsive it is again! I must have been dealing with a failing actuator for quite awhile before the dreaded codes started to appear. Tools sure do help with the repair of or trucks! Wish I had some sort of covered shelter to work in. Maybe some day that will happen. Don't be afraid to ask questions on a repair! Get out and enjoy these trucks that we choose to get!

 

[p-Bar]

Great write up. How long did it take to get your actuator from City?

 

[Topzide]

Thanks @p-Bar. Ordered from Geno's and was about 2 - 3 weeks. Arrived quicker than i had thought it would. Same price from Genos as City. Figured I'd support the forum vendor.

 

[p-Bar]

Yeah for sure. Wondering if I should just buy one and put in the back seat?

 

[Topzide]

If you've got the coin to spare, it's not a matter of if, it's when! I don't think you'd get a bad unit, but if you did, you'd have 0 warranty with City on the unit unless you talk with them about trying to save money buying it now. Like City has found out, the 4k hour component life doesn't seem a good choice for a part that is subject to the heat cycles and time of run life. Like I said, mine was almost 5K total hours on the clock. YRMV! I will say that the City unit was a very solid unit! If you're getting close to the 4K total hours or having some issues with boost, pull the trigger and get it done sooner the later! I wish I'd bit the bullet and ordered it right from the onset! That's one reason that I did thread was to bring it to the attention of others. Also that it's a doable repair for the average person to do in their driveway! Doing in December wasn't the best time, but was the cards that I was dealt. Great trucks with some issues that get solved with the help on TDR. Always willing to help with issues that I've come accross or have seen with other vehicles that can transfer over in how to find problem. Warmer weather is here! Get out and burn some fuel, see the sites and enjoy what we have earned!!!!

 

[JLandry]

Yeah for sure. Wondering if I should just buy one and put in the back seat?

After hearing a horror story from a friend about a long derated drive when his actuator failed, then being stranded in a small town for weeks waiting for a part, and paying too much, I went agead and bought one last year. As Topzide said, it's just a matter of “when”. I'd rather be in (better) control of the situation with the part and tools on hand when the inevitable happens.

Is it crazy to carry aroind a $900 part in my boonie box? Maybe, but I also have a full sized spare tire and wheel under both the truck and our 5th wheel trailer (which together exceed the cost of the City Diesel actuator) and I've never used either. And I sleep better knowing I'm ready.

John L.

 

[AH64ID]

@JLandry those are some expensive spare tires

 

[JLandry]

@JLandry those are some expensive spare tires

Only the best for Slobber.

 

[p-Bar]

Thanks for those replies. I'll save some extra coin and purchase one.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I think if I were going to buy one for a future failure I would just install it at my leisure.

mine was replaced under warranty around 90k thankfully.

 

[AH64ID]

Having one in the back seat is great, but it takes other items to install so it won’t be an easy boonie repair. If you’re going to buy one based on hours on the current actuator I’d just install it.

 

[Topzide]

Biggest issue with actuator replacement is the draining of the coolant! Another reason that I did hoses at the same time. Also needed some scotch brite to clean mating surface. Not saying it's not do-able in the boonies, would do when you have the time and good access to tools and supplies. Knowing what i now know, I would have done this when I was closer to the 4K hour instead of waiting for it to give up! When you do need one, get it from Genos to support forum! City still makes their money. I also gave City a good review on there site to let others that may not see TDR that it's a great part for an issue on our trucks!