Turbo Noise

[MJWenrich]

I have a 2004. 5 CTD with 91,000 miles. Lately I have noticed a howl when the engine is cold. After warming up the howl goes away... for the most part. I still have a slight howl on acceleration but don't know if it's rear end or turbo. Since I do not let the turbo cool down except on very hot days, I am thinking the turbo is likely going bad. Is there any way to test it or otherwise determine if the turbo is going bad? If I need to replace it what would be a good replacement? The truck is completely stock, has the 325 horse engine and is enough power for my towing.



Any advice appreciated. If there is a replacement that delivers better spool up or mileage or at least one of those that would be nice too. With 373 gears I am getting 17 mpg.

 

[MChrist]

I've only had one turbo ever go out on me, and when it did, it sounded like an ambulance was behind me. I pulled over, sound went away. Pulled back onto the road and sound appeared again. Drove another mile, gently, to our shop and pulled the intake boot off the turbo and found that the impeller blades were rubbing against the housing, causing the howl/squeal. Another minute, maybe, and it would have gone kaboom!
Pull off the intake boot from your turbo and look for scuffing where the blades meet the housing. Grab the blades (truck off) and try to wiggle the impeller. You will get a tiny amount (normal). More than roughly 1/16" inch would be an indicator that the bearing is bad/worn out and causing your squeal.

 

[MJWenrich]

Thank you. I will try that as soon as the wet stuff stops dropping out of the sky. It would be nice if it only needs a cleaning.



I am about due for the valve adjust and need to look that up but figured if I had to get under there to do maintenance I would try to do all the stuff needed at the same time. Maybe injectors too. I saw some threads that recommend those at 100k but my truck is running fine.

 

[MChrist]

Several people have gone hundreds of thousands of miles with no injector problems. Also, cleaning won't be your issue if the blades are rubbing on the housing. The bearings would be the problem. Check for rubbing first just to rule it out. It may very well be something else.