Competition Cummins Diesel Dragster blows up turbo at half track - Vegas Nationals

[sbentz]

Cummins Diesel Dragster blows turbo at half track - NHRA Vegas - Photo and How to fix

3:30 PM in front of the whole Vegas nationals crowd, we were on a great run, and 5. 03 seconds into the run, the high pressure turbo lets loose. We were over 128 mph already, and ended up coasting through the finish at 94 MPH, at 9. 70.



Good thing? No mess on the track, easy to fix. Ready for Pomona in 10 days.



I will try to get photos and videos up on the web site and here later in the week.

 

[mlockner]

Scott, sorry to hear about that. You guys had a great run going. The dragster is getting there and is faster all the time. Better luck next time.

Mike L.

RMTDR President

 

[sbentz]

Just reviewed the data on the run and the video, car was on a run. Oh well.



The failure on the turbo is one I have never seen. Blew the 8" snap ring holding the compressor housing on. Easy to modify to fix so it will not do it, will post photos of how... .



Anyone using a HX35/40 High pressure in a twin setup may see a similar thing happen.

 

[HOSS]

I have seen this happen on a couple different trucks.

 

[BPonci]

Been there done that. Can't wait to see the video.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Yep I heard of that happening too, that's why I take a pry bar type screw driver and a hammer and drive it in place, if it comes off it's going to take a bunch of stuff out... ..... and I have a spare.



Jim

 

[sbentz]

I am building another right now, and am going to pin the ring in with allen screws...



No more kabooms.

 

[johncameron]

any videos yet?

 

[sbentz]

Got the one in the camera, sitting in the trailer in Vegas. I will post them all once I get back from Pomona in 10 days...



Anyone seen any photos from the stands? We got one emailed to us.

 

[1dslram]

I had an HX35 -40 turbo come apart at about 40# of boost, a very large KABOOM.

Bruce

 

[justinp20012500]

On my staged setup i used a piece of flat bar from the boost fitting on the compressor of the HX to the cold pipe. I have heard of alot of people having the HX compressor housing spinning on the cartrage.

 

[sbentz]

I just replaced the compressor wheel, and after installing the huge snap ring, drilled and tapped the back plate for some 10-24 allen bolts that clamp the ring in place. If it pops now, it will make shrapnel.

 

[willyslover]

pic of repair please. . tnx

 

[Jim Fulmer]

Scott, I'd like to see pics of that fix also as it might be wise for me to do that also, once you figure that cover see atmosphere+38 psi you know it's under a little stress.



Jim

 

[sbentz]

Scott, I'd like to see pics of that fix also as it might be wise for me to do that also, once you figure that cover see atmosphere+38 psi you know it's under a little stress.



Jim

Here you go:



The screws are 10-24 by 1/2" long, Allen head. They are drilled and tapped right against the edge of the snap ring. I though about making a wedge that will hold the ends of the snap ring apart, but was still concerned about the ring twisting.

 

[sbentz]

And yes, the turbo is not designed to have pressure trying to push the cover off. Our data logger is seeing 42-45 PSI feeding the little turbo. That is only at 65PSI total. Imagine the guys hitting 125 PSI!

 

[Jim Fulmer]

That's some good info, thanks for the pic. If your big charger is making that kind of boost then it's all working right IMHO.



Jim

 

[Got Smoke?]

Just wondering is that a Dual Disk in the corner of your pic? :-laf

 

[Sled Puller]

Nice to see some of you draggers have actually seen similar carnage that has happened in the past on the pulling track.



You are heading the right direction!!!

 

[sbentz]

Just wondering is that a Dual Disk in the corner of your pic? :-laf

Good eyes! It is a triple disk for a Lenco 3 speed. Hmmm. Wonder where that may end up???