Archived 3rd gen-Engine noise-Turbo?

[RHinds]

Yesterday afternoon I started hearing a very troubling noise coming from the engine compartment. I'm wondering if it's the turbo or something else.



The sound reminds me of worn out bearings, but it's at a lower pitch than what I would expect. The noise is rpm related, not speed, proved by sitting still and increased engine rpm's until I heard the noise. This noise is most predominant in the 1800 to 2200 rpm range, but after that I think there is so much noise coming from the engine that I just can not hear it any longer.



I plan on going to the dealership (what joy) shortly and was hoping to get some ideas from other members before I head down.



Thank you all for any help.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Originally posted by RHinds

This noise is most predominant in the 1800 to 2200 rpm range, but after that I think there is so much noise coming from the engine that I just can not hear it any longer.

Bwwwwaaahhhhahaaha 3rd gen ... . noise Ewwwkaye (Just needlin ya)



Does the noise by any chance happen to change with rpm vs Load. I. E beat turbo howl ... that epervescent noise like blowing across a beer bottle kina howl. Or a humming / vibrating noise. That hum / rattle / vibrate noise could it be the TSB 06-001-003 You do after all have an ETH.



The reason I ask is that a worn bearing kinda noise is different sometimes and a more distinct noise description may narrow it down a bit.

 

[RHinds]

The noise is more dependant upon engine temperature, when it's cold, everything sounds good, but once it gets close to normal temp (200), this noise becomes very prominant. While shifting down and the rpm's jump quickly, it's a very sharp almost chirping sound. As for beer bottle humm, no, it's a higher tone. As if something was resonating.



TSB 06-001-003 isn't suppose to apply to me because my truck is an '04, built in Sept. and delivered in Oct. of '03.



This morning I went to the dealership, of course they said that I may have brought the problem on myself with my modifications. They definitely pointed out the intake and exhaust and by-pass oil filtration system. The oil system is the one spot where they told me to look the most, that the oil lines are pulsating quite a bit during the higher rpm's. I believe he was trying to say that the lines themselves were either vibrating together or vibrating against the cab and creating this noise. My only problem with that is that I put the by-pass system on over 1000 miles ago, so why does it suddenly show up now?



As for giving a better description of the noise, I can't, I've never heard anything like it before. One could say that it sounds like a kazoo, but I've read that thread on here and I don't think that it's the same problem that person experienced. I'm a little gun shy now because of the first engine problem that I've had where valves dropped into the cylinders and required a whole new engine. That and I just don't like dealing with the guys at the service center when they want to point towards after market accessories as being the whole problem.



The tech at the service center suggested that I stop by the local Cummins shop and see what they think. Cummins has agreed to take a listen. Perhaps they won't be as apt to point towards my mods.



Thanks for the help.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Power steering pump drone or line vibration? There is a TSB coming out on that one.

 

[RHinds]

After visiting with the shop foreman at the local Cummins shop, he is of the belief that this problem is a boost leak, although he had a hard time hearing it at first. I had to have him sit inside and rev the engine and point out to him exactly when the noise starts. His feeling is that it's definitely coming from the right hand side of the engine. Also, he could have cared less about the oil by-pass system and line routing, unlike the DC technician.



I'm suppose to try to get DC's authorization to let them bring the truck in for some testing, pressurizing of the intake system to see if there is indeed a leak, or what else may be going on.



I'll keep you all posted, and if anyone else has an idea, I'm open to suggestions.

 

[WCoberly]

Glad to learn the Cummins shop was more concerned with the problem. A turbo leak I would be quick to contact DMC because of your new engine.

 

[JGoodwin]

if its a turbo boost hose leak it will be more prodominate under load and not rpm related. check the oil pump by pass valve. I've seen a couple of these and they were also temp related as you described. but they're more of a buzzing sound. to check power steering hose have someone grab ahold of the lines and move them while your inside raising rpms to see if there is a change. I've seen a couple of these and one of them did'nt last very long,and don't let the dealer scare you. They have to prove that your mods were the direct result of problem. And if they still try,tell them you want to know what the cummins rep thinks,and call the 1-800 number and open a caire file.

 

[RHinds]

OK, last night I went to Cummins and the tech pressurized the intake system and found no leaks. He also said that the turbo spindle felt good and tight, no problems with the wastegate either.



So, I took him for a ride, just like I did the DC tech and as soon as this Kazoo noise started, the Cummins tech said he felt a nasty vibration in his feet. The DC tech reported nothing of the sort to me. We returned to the Cummins shop and inspected my oil lines for the by-pass system, and when I revved the engine the tech said that the lines were vibrating something terrible against the cab where I had them cable tied.



I cut the cable tie, pulled the lines down a little so that they were suspended in the air and went for a test drive. The noise was gone, so I did indeed create this problem because of where I supported the lines.



No harm done and a huge relief to me.



Thanks for everyone's inputs.



RHinds

 

[RankRam]

I'm glad you got it taken care of!