Turbo charger question

[GaVetGp84]

Hello
I am not sure if I am posting this in the right section of the forums but here it goes anyway.

So I think my Turbo charger isn't working properly. I used to be able to hear it whistle as I'm driving and I can barely hear it now and only when I'm really getting on the throttle. I did have a fuel delivery code pop up but i cleared it on Friday (its now Tuesday) and it still hasn't come back. I am thinking I need to replace my Turbo (I bought the truck used with 203k Miles on it) I have no idea if it's ever been replaced. I drive it for work towing varying weights pretty much all the time. I am wondering if this Turbo will work (says it's compatible)
For Cummins Diesel 5.9L Dodge Ram 2500 3500 Pickup 2005-2009 Turbo + Air Control | eBay
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www.ebay.com
Or if I can install a bigger Turbo for a bit more power without breaking the bank and without having to do any tuning changes. I also plan to get a k&n cold air intake soon to help with breathing and to give it just a little more performance.

I'm new to diesel all of my previous experience is as a self taught backyard mechanic on my 04 mustang gt which I have done 90% of the work on myself.

My truck is an 06 3500 cummins Turbo diesel pretty much all stock at the moment. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Not trying to be a smart ass but a turbo for $226.00. Made in China by a company with 1100 followers? I would run like hell. You get what you pay for. Try getting a gauge and check to see what boost you are getting before you throw parts at it. You may just have leaks in your system. A bigger turbo will help if you add fuel. K & N is bad news. Do a few searches here and see what many others have found. Unless you want to add power use stock replacement parts. If you want to start down the black hole of making power do a lot of studying here and on the other Cummins forums to learn what works and what doesn't.

If you build a signature with particulars on your truck, there a many here that will help you. And save you a lot of heart ache and money

 

[BigPapa]

Welcome to TDR. Diesels, turbo diesels, are a lot different from what you've learned to wrench on, but they're not really more difficult. Hang in there and you'll feel right at home wrenching on your truck in no time. Just because YOU can't hear the turbo whine like you used to doesn't necessarily mean it's not working properly. We become accustom to sounds and kind of tune them out. How long have you had your truck? Did you buy it when the weather was nicer and you drove with the windows down instead of rolled up with the A/C on full blast?

The turbo's on our trucks, especially your '06, are very hearty and unless they've been really mistreated or improperly maintained will last a LONG time. Because of the turbo, there's a lot more air being sucked in through your air filter than on your Mustang. The factory air filter breaths well enough to support up to 500-600 HP and filters MUCH better than a K&N. That's why DG warned against it.

Get you some gauges where you can monitor boost and EGT's. Without knowing what your boost is it's really hard to know if you're turbo is performing as it should.

Check your air filter, replace it with a good OE filter. A lot of fellows here buy all their filters from Geno's Garage. They have the best products and usually at the best or at least very competitive prices.

If everything checks out and you do need to replace the turbo, PLEASE stay away from eBay turbos. The turbo is a precision piece of equipment that is NOT cheap to build and you won't find one that's the equivalent of your original for anywhere close to $250. Again, as DG said, you get what you pay for.

 

[bcbender]

Welcome sir. As BigPapa said, search the forums' soo much information here..... Genos Garage is my go to they have hands down the best customer service on the planet and Id pay more for that,..... The more you drive a CTD, the more you expect to have all that power...

 

[Ozymandias]

The code that popped up would be really helpful.

Was it by any chance P0249? That would explain it.

And get rid of that K&N dirt pass through element, it does NOT give you anymore power as this engine with the turbo gets the air that it needs to build sufficient boost.