turbo cleaning

[JFringer]

just read somthing about 6. 0 vgt has to be cleaned or reconditioned every so often. do the cummins turbos have to be cleaned?

 

[sag2]

They can be cleaned, but with the new software the need is far less than it was a couple years ago.

 

[KLauber]

Since the last flash 1 year ago, no issues whatsoever with the truck!

Ken

 

[FParisi]

I understand that using the exhaust brake all the time helps prevent sooting + sticking.

 

[GaryCarter]

I clean mine about once a week.



WOT from 2k to 3k rpm, followed by a little EB use. Keeps everything from getting sticky.



Or maybe I just like doing it. :-laf

 

[Bob4x4]

:-laf The only ones that I see (as a rule) that need attention are the guys going for the big fuel mileage numbers. The kast one had over 21 mpg on the overhead

 

[gtoli]

I clean mine about once a week.



WOT from 2k to 3k rpm, followed by a little EB use. Keeps everything from getting sticky.

Mine should be spotless.

 

[PFranzese]

Would there be an issue with using the Mopar turbo cleaning solution through the cleaning port every so often as preventative maintenance?

 

[sag2]

No, it is essentially water based cleaner (dish soap?)

 

[tempforce]

i get very good mileage. 18-22 highway empty, load and road makes a difference.

i always use the eb until the engine is up to temp 8-10 miles. and on any 3% + downgrade more than a 1/4 mile. anytime i come off the freeway or on a snake back road. when i use the eb to slow down instead of the service brakes. haven't had issue one with the eb. 60k miles of use...

my service brakes do sound like they are rusting from lack of use... when i do use them.

 

[IrisMark]

Expect it to take the better part of a day unless you've done it before. It's probably only a couple hour job if you've got everything together and know what you're doing. Getting the snap rings in and out took me as much time as anything, but most of your time will be spent cleaning parts. I would recommend if you don't have access to a glass bead machine that you don't do this yourself. I did the whole job at Precision Systems Inc. (the machine shop I manage). You need lots of compressed air too.
Glass beading all the parts and then getting them clean and free from the glass bead can take a while. Get yourself a couple cans of Gumout Carb Cleaner to get the glass beads out of your parts. This can be the death of the turbos if there is any residue left behind. That's the only cleaner I've found that will get the beads out for sure.
If you don't have the right snap ring tips get them first or you'll spend all day trying to get them in and out. Don't let the video fool you when the guy seems to effortlessly snap them in and out with a probe and his finger. If he can do that on these turbos he's my hero!
You'll notice the carbon seal is a complete assembly that needs to be pressed in and out instead of separate pieces like shown in the video too. The seal is a little different than the one you'll be taking out.
Remember to mark your parts for alignment before you disassemble and keep things CLEAN. Once you've taken one apart it goes together in about 10 minutes.
The total cost was $320. 00. In my opinion anyone with access to a shop and a little mechanical knowledge can do this. It's a piece of cake. Put all those hundred dollar bills into something else rather than pay someone else to do it. It's a hell of a lot harder getting the turbo out of the car than rebuilding it. All the other procedures people have mentioned to me that the turbo rebuilders do don't add up to a hill of beans IMHO. If you do it yourself at least you know it's done right! (?)
Now that it's done it spins like a top and looks like a million bucks! Maybe I'll just put it on my mantle and spare myself all the headaches of getting it back onto the engine!