2003 turbo bearing wear

[magothy1]

I've gotten two oil analysis done, both say excessive turbo bearing wear. Only 83,000 on the engine, no heavy loading or such, anyone else have this ? Is there a diagnostic test the dealer can do without pulling it down ?

 

[sag2]

The check is one you can do. The radial clearance is approx . 013 to . 020 and is measured with a feeler gauge. Look at the service manual for the specific spec for your truck, and the exact procedure.

 

[Blue Ox1]

How do you know it's the turbo bearing from the oil analysis ? just wondering because if you are going by the copper level then it could be any bearing.

Joe

 

[nickleinonen]

silver is sometimes used in turbocharger shaft bearings. . if that is what is showing, it could be a failing turbocharger. . if you suspect it, measure the axial/radial on the charger. . if within specs, run it and check it again next oil change

 

[magothy1]

The oil analysis is showing silver, which according to the test guy ( Terry Dyson ) is from the turbo bearing. He says he's seen it in a few other '03's. I bought the truck used, and am wondering if this is covered under warranty to 100 thou. I'll have to go look at my papers, or go into the dealer and ask, I guess. Thanks for the replies, if something funny turns up I'll post the results.

 

[rbattelle]

If the turbo bearings are wearing, you've got to ask: why?

Hot shutdowns? Modified wastegates that allow excessive shaft speed?

Ryan

 

[Blue Ox1]

I was just wondering because my copper levels keep coming back somewhat high,I didn't realize silver was from the turbo bearings .

Joe

 

[nickleinonen]

my last oil sample had some silver in it. . not enough for me to worry yet. . when spring comes around, i am going to give my turbo a quick check [axial/radial] and see how it is. . i had been noticing lower boost levels over the last 2 years, but i suspect that was my lift pump as once the walbro was put in after my oem pump went dead, i gained boost to how it was brand new plus some [smarty]

 

[Johnstra]

I just had an analysis performed by Terry too and he told me the same thing. My #s were:



Miles on engine: 65000

Miles on oil: 10000

Iron: 16

Copper: 14

Tin: 0

Lead: 5

Chrome: 1

Nickel: 0

Aluminum: 6

Titanium: 0

Silver: 1

Fuel: 0

Soot: 0

Glycol: 0. 06

KF: 903



Terry says the silver trace is from the turbo bearing and that it's likely that I have a bit of water in my oil.



Btw: Does anyone know what KF is? Terry says that meas water is present.



-john