Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Back in the saddle, but with a turbo problem-help

[Lockard]

Used to own a '99 2500 SB Auto, DC bought back through arbitration (brake pull) about 2 years ago. 3 weeks back I took delivery of a used 2001 3500 4x4 5sp with BD exh, BD box, ranch hand all around, SB clutch, etc. Man I was pumped. Then I finally got around to doing my first basic maintenenace yesterday and now I'm really worried. The first clamp which holds the BD exhaust to the turbo downpipe was loose and black soot had been shooting directly towards the air filter. Since everything is already black I hadn't hoticed it until to touched the back of the air box. First thing I did was look at the filter - awful, black on both sides. The air box did not seem to seal well either. Then the bad part, the turbo has a buildup of soot on it, the vanes are not totally black but it is definitely dirty. I tightened the clamp back up on the exhaust and cleaned around the box.



What can I do to remedy this situation? Obviosly the dirt has gone past the turbo and into (gulp) the engine so I need to be thinking past the turbo. ANY suggestions welcome. Thanks

 

[jwilliams3]

First thing,

Dont worry about, chances are your engine is fine.

I would change your oil every 3k miles and use a Fleetguard Stratopore Oil filter.



--Justin

 

[Lockard]

Yeah, did that already, went with the stratapore and rotella synthetic. Changes the air filter too, obviously. I was worried that the build up could throw off the balance of the turbo.

 

[jwilliams3]

If you are worried about the balance of the impellor assembly,

I would wipe it off, be careful not to bend any of the blades.



--Justin

 

[JR2]

You could use a paint brush or some other brush to clean off the blades if you wanted. Just don't use a real cheap one as you would not want any brush hairs in there. You might also clean the big hose from the air box to the turbo



Other than that you ought to be fine.



JR2

 

[work2muchplay2little]

Think of it as DIY EGR I had the same thing happen to me with a cracked exhaust manifold. I figured whatever got through the air filter is too small to worry about. No problems with mine.

 

[Steve Campbell]

You might check....

your IAT (Intake Air Temp) sender. It may be dirty if very much soot made its way into the engine.

 

[Lockard]

Thanks guys. I feel a little better now. I should have a manual in a week or so and will check the IAT as suggested.