stock TURBO durability??????

[carl07230]

Does it hurt to go long distances without stopping to let turbo cool down or rest. Had to drive 678 miles yesterday. Stopped just long enough to ##$$$$ but didn't shut down. What are some names aftermarket turbos out there. I know ATS. Others???: No problems YET!

 

[MChrist]

Hmmm, I would say you will be needing new turbo in about..... 400,000 more miles!!! These motors are made for it, and the turbo was designed as part of the engine package, so I personally wouldn't worry about it at all. My 98. 5 spent the first several years of it's life hauling trailers from Texas to New York and back going 85 mph (previous owner), so boost was probably quite high, and it's still on the truck and working fine. Don't worry, be happy!

 

[dresslered]

The stock turbo when driven normally only has reliability issues when it is not cooled down properly before each shutdown. It is never a problem during normal operation since the thin film of oil that acts as the bearing continues to circulate and an equilibrium temperature is achieved within the first 15-minutes of operation. However, if you shut down a hot turbo, this film of oil stops circulating and can overheat and break down leaving deposits which cause increased wear. I monitor my turbo temperature (post turbo) and shut it down at 250-300 degrees. If you pulling hard or stop after a long hill, this can take several minutes to achieve.

 

[carl07230]

Thanks for the replys. I always let it cool before shuting down. I got a scare yesterday on my trip home. About 20 miles from home I was going up a steep hill (empty, not towing) and just as I got to the top I heard a big swooooooshing sound and the engine stutered. It imediately recovered and as there were no performance problems I continued home. There was still a swoooooshing sound but it had leveled off some and was not as loud but it was defenitely there. Once home I let it cool down while I unpacked the lugage and as it was dark (and after 678 miles) decided to waite till this morning to check everything. This morning went out opened the hood checked the oil, oil ok, checked transmission fluid, transmission ok, all lines to turbo still on and tight, no cracks in stock intake. Then I noticed something was defenitely wrong. The big cone air intake filter had come completely off and was sitting upside down in the box. So swooooooooshing it was LOL,LOL,LOL.

 

[CDonaldson]

My stock factory turbo went at 50K miles, of course, it was under warranty, but 50K??? I always wait to shut down, 300*s. So, they could go a good distance or not. Since I do a lot of towing, and in desolate areas, plus HOt temps and steep grades, 50K to me was NOT what I would call reliable. I know several people who have had 2 factory replacements at the same mileage I had one. I did get a new turbo, not a rebuild. I decided to go to twins, less strain on two turbos that produce more power than the stock one, lower drive pressure than the stock one, and a mile or two better fuel economy too.





CD

 

[BIGNASTY]

Preluber with pre/post

If your worried about the turbo look into this product. Have one on my Dodge with the pre and post timer just get out the motor will shut down. Plus no dry starts no need for oil additives. The prelube cycle will have oil pressure before your preheat cycle Pre-luber Engine Products

 

[dresslered]

CDonaldson,

I totally sympathize with you that 50k-miles is way too early for a turbo failure as I have personally witnessed turbo's that have never been cooled down and not experiencing a problem. However, I noticed that you claim shutdown temps in the 300's while towing. I would have to ask where your pyro is located. A majority of the folks here prefer to go pre-turbo as they are more interested in their pistons. This is not the proper location if you are concerned about your turbo. If you are really monitoring pre-turbo, you could be shutting down the engine long before it ever properly cools down. Remember, during operation, the turbo is a heat sink, during shutdown, it becomes a heat source.

David

 

[dresslered]

BIGNASTY

You bring up an interesting concept for the pre-luber using it for shut down. Previously, it was marketed for start-up which I personally felt was waaay overkill for our engines unless the truck sits for months at a time. That being said, isn't it easier to just let the engine run while waiting for the turbo to cool-down? There are cheaper shutdown modules. Just a thought.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

The "swooshing" sound you hear is the turbocharger "barking" or woofing. Happens when you suddenly lift your foot from the accelerator pedal while under a hard pull. The sound comes from the pressurized air in the engine intake system trying to reverst the turbo compressor wheel. This is NOT a good thing, but can be avoided by backing off of the throttle slowly if the engine is pulling hard.

 

[BIGNASTY]

prob so

BIGNASTY

You bring up an interesting concept for the pre-luber using it for shut down. Previously, it was marketed for start-up which I personally felt was waaay overkill for our engines unless the truck sits for months at a time. That being said, isn't it easier to just let the engine run while waiting for the turbo to cool-down? There are cheaper shutdown modules. Just a thought.

I don't have any experience with the others. I had one of this brand on 2 of my class 8 trucks have one on my wife's MB and on my Dodge. I dont see as way overkill. When a engine sets and the oil flows to the pan it's metal against metal until the oil flows. This solves that problem. I have oil press. before the starter turns it over. On the class 8 trucks I was able to see the difference back then it was common to roll in new rod and main bearings around 100 thousand miles. I have seen the before and after and the difference was amazing. could have gone another bunch of miles. As for the post turbo cool down I guess there are cheaper unit's out there but I stick with what has given better than average service. I guess you could wait for 5 or 6 min to let idle and cool down but over the years i've set to long and just want to get out of the truck and let technology do my waiting.

 

[dresslered]

Thanks for the reply Bignasty. I obviously haven't seen what you have on the class 8's but do know that the baby Cummins has some huge mains and I have rarely heard of these ever failing. I doubt that they will dry unless they sit for a very long time, but hey, a recipe for success is always worth saving.

David

 

[carl07230]

Gonzo- the swoooooooshing was the air filter not being on. Read my previous post

 

[jhenderson]

The air filter was off because the turbo barked and back-pressured the intake tube and filter.

 

[dresslered]

O. k. , now educate me. I wasn't aware that a stock turbo with only stock boost could bark? I've never had that happen with mine running 30-psi. I thought this was only reserved for the adrenaline crowd.

 

[gnjsmall]

Mine has barked numerous times. Especially now that I have Banks RAM air, and an ATS ARC. I will get on it and if I come off it at all, like when someone cust me off on an entrance ramp, I get the Bark, whoosh, or whatever sound you like best. The same thing happens on my Ford 6. 0L and it has variable vains. Coming off the pedal a little easier is much better for your diesel.

 

[WalterJ]

CDonaldson,

I totally sympathize with you that 50k-miles is way too early for a turbo failure as I have personally witnessed turbo's that have never been cooled down and not experiencing a problem. However, I noticed that you claim shutdown temps in the 300's while towing. I would have to ask where your pyro is located. A majority of the folks here prefer to go pre-turbo as they are more interested in their pistons. This is not the proper location if you are concerned about your turbo. If you are really monitoring pre-turbo, you could be shutting down the engine long before it ever properly cools down. Remember, during operation, the turbo is a heat sink, during shutdown, it becomes a heat source.

David

Pre-turbo EGT is what most folks have to monitor, and represents the heat source for the turbo?!? When my EGT [extreme ambient temps considered] drops below 300 OR stabilizes 300-320 deg, then I figure that's as good as it gunna get, so time to shut it down. Previous discussions with diesel mechanics & TDR info here, certainly brought clarity to the concept of 'cooking lube oil' inside the turbo bearings if motor is just shut down like a [non turbo] gasser. I'm thinkin' our quality 15W40 lube oil does not simply convert to varnish < 500 deg, but maybe the contaminants do?

I noticed 5-10 deg higher EGT when idling w/AC turned on. Interesting to see even the small additional fueling to maintain idle, caused by AC demand. So if its a hot day, I'm cycling the AC off as well for a cool down.

 

[bigceltic]

The "swooshing" sound you hear is the turbocharger "barking" or woofing. Happens when you suddenly lift your foot from the accelerator pedal while under a hard pull. The sound comes from the pressurized air in the engine intake system trying to reverst the turbo compressor wheel. This is NOT a good thing, but can be avoided by backing off of the throttle slowly if the engine is pulling hard.

I had this barking problem when pulling my trailer and got the BD Turbo Guard installed. No more barking and peace of mind. Plus is pretty cool. Only downside is it does not work when in cruise so I have to make sure to get out of cruise on steep hills here in CO.

 

[MMeier]

When my 03 was hauling heavy mine would bark occasionally when operating at higher altitudes with the stock turbo. Didn't notice it that much when I changed to my SPS 64 ,gets your attention after 35 hours of non stop driving !