Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Turbo Question

[cmills]

My truck is a 99 and has 142,000 miles on it. Today I pulled off the hose from the air filter to the turbo and I noticed the turbo was starting to seep some oil, it wasn't coming from inside where the blades are but from around the outside. I had my stepdad look at it(He works at Caterpillar) and he said that it did not have to much play in the blades and that it actually felt pretty good and that they will start to seep oil as they age, we cleaned it up and I am going to run it for a week and take the hose off and look at it again. Scheid diesel said they can rebuild it for about $400. I do let the turbo cool down to at least 350 degrees usually 300 before shutting it off. The truck will run up to about 35 psi off boost with the mods I have, which scheid says does not really have anything to do with it. My question is does anybody else have a turbo that does this, and what did you do about it, and what is the life expectancy of these turbos. Sorry this is so long, your replys are greatly appreciated!!



Cory

 

[andrewkoperdak]

cmills,

about 6 months back someone else asked a similar question. It was deemed "normal" and not to worry about it. The added that the lower intercooler hose may have some oil buid-up in it also.

I personally would not have the turbo rebuilt until you have a genuine failure. Which you probably wont see till 300-400K miles.

You must be pulling something big to regularly get 35 psi.

R,

andy

 

[cmills]

Thanks Andy, When I said it had 35psi of boost I meant that is what it will peak at. Some more comments would be appreciated!

Thanks again.



Cory

 

[jwilliams3]

Cory,

I would get it rebuilt, but shop around (Piers also rebuilds) for the best price.

Better safe then sorry in the long run.

Sometimes you can pickup used stock turbos for prices cheaper then getting one rebuilt.



I PM'd you.



--Justin

 

[cmills]

Thanks Justin, I kind of thought the same thing but I thought $400 seemed pretty expensive, not sure though.



I'll PM you back.



Cory

 

[J.R. Adkins]

Rebuild it.