Think I may need a new Turbo...See photo.

[tractionengines]

I was just changing my oil, air filter, greasing things, etc... One thing I decided to do was pull the air inlet hose from the turbo to check it as it seems to be spooling up slower, and I am not hearing it as much... . LOOK WHAT I FOUND!

I think if I am seeing oil buildup in front of the inlet it has to be worse downstream... . Am I correct. Or could this be considered NORMAL for 187,000+ miles. It has been a long time since I looked at this, so I don't know how long it has been building up. (The clean area on the lower right of the inlet is where I wiped my finger across it. )



Thanks. (2001. 5 with HO, 6 speed, and 4" exhaust, daily driver. )

 

[Joe Mc]

If it's wet oil, probably seal leak. Is there a lot of play side to side (rotary) and/or in and out (axial) on the wheel? Check to make sure the oil return line to the pan isn't restricted or kinked. If it's wet oil there's most likely oil all thru the intercooler etc. Pull connection directly from the discharge side of the turbo (has a clamp) and loosen the boot at the end of the tube before the air chage goes into the intercooler and check inside that connection/piece of pipe for oil too.

 

[tractionengines]

I would not call it "wet" it is thick and took some work to wipe off. I didn't push it around too much, bit I would not call it a lot of play... best guess from "Feel" is only a few thousandths sideways, and almost none front to back. I cleaned up what residue I could around the entry and will see what builds back up in the next few days. At that point I will pull the air outlet, and see how "wet" it is there. I have owned this truck since it had 0. 4 miles on it. Stock power has worked for me so far, so I don't know about adding anything extra at this point (187,000). Any recommendations for replacements? Anyone have a "take-off" collecting dust? I guess the part I need is Holset #3592766.

 

[Shadrach]

You will get some side to side play as the bearings are oil centered. In and out is more dangerous if too much. It of course shouldn't rub against the housing at all. Do you have a reusable oiled air filter? That could account for the residue. Shadrach

 

[tractionengines]

I didn't press hard but with gentle pressure the impeller did not have enough side play to hit the housing.



Just the stock air filter... . although the current one has been in for a while. I will put a new filter in on monday. I have never seen the filter minder on the airbox move. I just try to change it on a regular basis based on how much dust I get around. I figure filters are relatively cheap.

 

[SRadke]

Just pull it off and have it rebuilt. At most turbo shops that will run you 3-400 bucks.

 

[tractionengines]

Thanks all. I will keep an eye on this and look around in the near term to see what I want to do... . At least no one is saying "stop don't drive it like that".



[ I was helping a relative working on a TD6 buldozer (Start on gas/run on diesel) that had a oil-bath air filter... . someone replaced the oil with 10W-30 insted of straight 30wt. The gas system wouldn't start, so we went to start on diesel with a shot of ether... . It started, reved up and proceded to pull enough of the light oil out of the air cleaner, to over rev and run away... . We quickly stalled it out by dumping the clutch, but it blew the head gasket... . Could have been worse I guess. ]

 

[Midnite]

I think that's a good plan. I have a light residue on mine that doesn't look too much different from your pics (and I use a paper air filter), but it still seems good and tight with virtually no end play and very little radial play.

Mike

 

[DieselDoghouse]

My understanding is ALL turbos spit some oil - I was told if forced to idle excessively (was once stuck on NH rt 93 for 4 hours with a triple fatal SUV rollover) to blip the throttle to siphon that oil into the air flow and move it on…That said I humbly concur - have a turbo-capable shop look at it - and if they're honest and its fine they'll hopefully send you home!!!