Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Turbo impellershaft play

[JReichenbach]

Hi, I have a 1998 12-valve truck with 197,000 miles. When I was servicing it, I had the air tube off of inlet side of turbo and noticed up and down play in the impeller shaft. It is not rubbing on the housing anywhere and truck runs fine, but I'm just wondering how much movement is acceptable. If it does need changing, what are some options I could go with. Truck is a manual trans. with the timing bumped and the AFC housing moved around, no plate changes though. Am happy with performance of truck, but am always looking for easy upgrades. Thanks, Jim.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Some radial play as you describe is normal and as long as it's not touching it is probably fine. Some axial play (end play) is also normal but not near as much. With your mods and mileage I would be surprised if your turbo had any problems. If in doubt you can rebuild it yourself for under $100 for a kit assuming you are at all mechanically inclined. I can't recommend an upgrade really as I have not done the research or been down that road yet myself. If you go to the holset website www.cummins.com/turbos - service repair manuals you can download a service manual with complete repair instructions and spec.

 

[Fordiesel69]

Remeber, you have sleeve lubricated bearings in your turbo, you will have play that the oil will fill. The center section on these holsets are very durable according to what I have read. Expect 300k with no problems.

 

[R C Cola]

Turbo Life

Keep your oil super clean,my turbo has never been worked on and at 580k the only thing I do differant that I know of is my oil is very clean all the time.

 

[WDimig]

up and down and side to side play is normall, like stated earlier, it is the space for the oil to cushion the journal bearings, the only play that you should never have is back and forth, if you hold the nut with your fingers, and pull and push of the compressor, no movement should be felt, if there is some, then you may have a problem, if you have that kind of play, i suggest you pull off the compressor outlet pipe and look for signs of oil, if no play, dont even worry about it.



wes