Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How to diagnose turbo issue?

[Batman]

Hi all,



Been away for a while... ... .



I think my turbo is on the way out but I'm unsure the best method to test to see if it is for sure or not.



Mods: BD3's, Smarty, Piers HX40, 4" exhaust, blah, blah, blah... ...



I used to see 35 psi in high gear. I could only see about 10 until I put some new BD boots on. Now I can get to 20. Driving on flat highway I used to see 6-8 psi, now 0-2..... No boost leaks that I could tell. Depressing the loud peddle belches out clouds of smoke like I haven't seen since I had my Edge Comp... ...



The compressor side of the turbo turns freely, but does not spin for long. I can move the compressor mounting stud slightly up and down, or side to side, etc. No movement in and out. Miles on turbo = appx 35k. Never barked the turbo either and always cooled down to below 400 deg. before shutting down.



I'm thinking this huffer has seen its better days... . ???



Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.



I'm thinking, based on; lack of high boost, increased smoke, zero to light normal boost, laggyness, and extremely high egt's that its toast

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

Have you checked the inside of the boots for oil?

 

[Sticks]

I'd start looking for boot leaks between the turbo and intake manifold.

Check for codes.

Wastegated turbo? Is the wastegate stuck?

 

[JohnBoy5]

sound like a leak to me, go to lowes and get a 3 inch pipe cap and the part that you put on the pipe, then i got an 4inch international boost boot and put it on the intake side of the turbo, then a regulator and set it to about 10 psi. i found a few leaks like that.

 

[JohnBoy5]

here are some pictures of my leak tester set up. just connect it to the front of the turbo set it for about 10 psi and start looking. soapy water will help a ton.

 

[Batman]

Thanks guys!



There was a light coating of oil (black) on some of the boots. I also noticed a small pin hole in them



I already have a similar boost leak checker, although the boot you are using is much better than mine!



I didn't check for codes, I will do so today



turbo is wastegated. How do I test if the wastegate is stuck?



What about the shaft radial play? It seems that if I 'move' the impeller as far as I can, then try to rotate, it barely makes contact with the housing wall (I know it shouldn't). It just seems like the turbo bearings are shot..... The impeller doesn't appear to rotate as freely as it should (BTW, I installed this turbo new several years ago.



Lastly, I 'can' hit 20 psi. Not easily though. And there is mostly zero boost while driving.....



Thanks again

g

 

[JohnBoy5]

the oil is a bad thing...

 

[Batman]

I'm wondering if rebuilding the turbo is worth it money-wise, or is a new turbo in order???????? I've been away from the scene for so long I have no idea what kind of advancements have been made for quick spool, good cooling are now available... .

 

[JohnBoy5]

well i just put a bd super b on my truck this year and love it. egt's dropped about 400˚F when i am pulling some heave loads... i am also running about 40lbs of boost with a boost fooler installed. i am upgrading to the tow twins very soon.

 

[Sticks]

To check the wastegate, unbolt the can from the housing or disconnect the rod from the actuator arm and see if the arm moves freely.

A used or old turbo impeller not spinning freeley with the engine off is not uncommon. It needs the oil pressure to be the bearing.

Oil on the intake could be a restricted air filter. So long as it is not pooling in the bottom of the intercooler or your oil level is not dropping significantly (1 qt every 100 miles).

 

[Batman]

UPDATE!!!! I found the issue with my turbo. The actuator rod had disconnected from the arm (don't know how). I re-installed, replaced the e'clip, all set now!!
Thanks for all of the help.
g

 

[JohnBoy5]

Great news!