Turbo problems

[william lopoulos]

Hello, I have recently been having turbo issues. It works for a while and then stops. A few days later it is working again. This has happened several times. Is it likely time for a new turbo? If so, what is a reasonably priced solution? 2006 5.9 Cummins with automatic trans with 360K miles.

The problem that I see when it fails is low boost pressure error and it can barely get out of its own way.

I see some new turbos in the $350 or so range (if that is what I need) Are these any good?

Thank you

 

[AH64ID]

Have you inspected the turbo/intake for any restrictions?

Any mods to the motor?

 

[william lopoulos]

I will be doing some inspection this weekend. Stock motor, new injectors, rebuilt pump, leaky radiator (to be replaced this weekend), rebuilt trans, and other basic repairs.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

simple stuff first, check the turbo and inspect air inlet piping for loose clamps or boost leaks.

 

[william lopoulos]

Will do, thank you

 

[AH64ID]

What is the code it's throwing?

 

[william lopoulos]

P0299 Turbo/Super Charger Underboost

 

[GCroyle]

Might be from way out in left field. Does this truck use the Turbo Wastegate Solenoid https://www.genosgarage.com/product/solenoid-4036054/engine-replacement-parts-3

Anybody chime in on its function and wiring inspection?

 

[Darkbloodmon]

Does this truck use the Turbo Wastegate Solenoid

It should being a stock 06.

 

[p-Bar]

There was a wire that would chaff on the ac compressor. This could be found under the truck passenger side front.

 

[william lopoulos]

OK, got to work on it this weekend, first had to replace a leaky radiator. As part of the process to disassemble most of the front end to get to the radiator, I had to remove the air box. When I opened it up, found something I had never seen before. Take a look at the picture f the air filter, not exactly "stock configuration".

Looks like a squirrels nest started in the box. Why there isn't a "critter screen", I have no idea. Must have gone over a bump and it sucked an acorn husk into the turbo. It has since dislodged and is working again. I haven't inspected the turbo yet, couldn't easily get to it. Maybe I can snake in a borescope and take some pictures. But it must have ingested whatever was causing the turbo to be jammed. I hope it didn't damage the veins. Not currently getting any codes.

That must have been some strong squirrel to push up filter like that.

 

[AH64ID]

It's highly unlikely that anything got lodged in the turbo and caused it to stop. Most likely the filter caused enough restriction that it couldn't spool properly and threw the code.

It's pretty simple to get the intake hose out. There is one clamp on the turbo that you can loosed and then remove the intake tube to inspect the compressor side of the turbo.

 

[Ozymandias]

It probably collapsed because it is full of dirt, the filter minder is all the way down, more then I've ever seen before. How long was that filter in there?

And it is the outdated 2" filter anyways, you should only use the later version with 4" pleat.
Ram changed that for a reason.

 

[BigPapa]

the filter minder is all the way down, more then I've ever seen before.

I was thinking the same thing, never seen one pulled down that far.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I was thinking the same thing, never seen one pulled down that far.

Caught one on a pre-trip inspection (AAA) on one of our flat bed F650s, looked nearly identical to that filter the way its contorted.

 

[william lopoulos]

OK, finally got the hose off. The turbo is spinning, I can hear it, but the truck has no power and is overheating. The blades look OK, and it spins freely and smoothly. However, the wastegate control looks badly rusted. Could this be the problem? It looks really corroded, do I have a chance of removing it? The hose from the actuator looks OK, no cracks. Do I have to remove the turbo to change it? Recommendations?

Thank you

 

[AH64ID]

Overheating coolant temp wise?

Are you blowing black smoke when the boost is low?

A malfunctioning command valve will throw a code, and should still allow 23 psi of boost.

 

[william lopoulos]

Overheating temperature, not noticing black smoke, need to check. Can I check boost with my scanner? What should I see?

 

[AH64ID]

If you’re not blowing black smoke it sounds like a fuel delivery issue more than a turbo problem. This also can result in a low boost code.

How hot is the coolant getting?

Your scanner should do boost, or at the very least absolute pressure. If it is absolute pressure it will have atmospheric pressure included, which means engine off at sea level is ~14.7 psi which tells you what to subtract from the overall reading. If it reads boost it will show 0psi engine off.

Peak boost on an 06 should be 28-32 psi depending on the load. If the command valve is failed you should only be able to build ~23 psi.