Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Turbo Wiggle?

[DDT]

I serviced my truck this morning, Also installed my new TAG. I noticed the impeller had movement. Not in and out but up and down and side ways. I would guess 1/6 to 1/8" play. I check it every service. I hardly had any play 4000 miles ago. Is this a problem????

 

[B.G. Smith]

From 99 manual. Axial movement, . 0015" to . 0035". Radial bearing clearance, min. . 0128", max, . 0195". 1/16th would be . 0625" so if it really has that much, might be trouble?? bg

 

[lmills]

Most have some wiggle when bearing/bushing is not being fed oil. When the motor is running the slop is taken up by the space that the oil uses The main thing is making sure that the blades can't touch the housing.

 

[DDT]

I turned it and the blades do not touch housing, But there is alittle oil on the housing inline with the blades??? What should I do?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Measure the up and down play in the bearing, push down on the impeller and place thickest feeler gage blade that will go between impeller and housing, now push up on impeller and do same, subtract smaller reading from larger, that will be close to radial play in impeller bearings. Probably going to be within specs, an oily film on the blade is not unusual. bg

 

[DDT]

OK I will do the feeler guage and report back. This is the first time I have seen oil in the turbo.

 

[DDT]

I called Cummins dealer and talked with service. He told me it did not matter if there was play in it, since it is leaking any oil the seal was out and need to replace the turbo. WOW The price of reman. maybe I could find a good used one the the classifieds. Am I on the right track?

 

[lmills]

If you are over the 100,000 mile warranty, I would look into either the classifieds or aftermarket at a better turbo. If you are going to have to foot the bill, you might as well be happy with it.

 

[DDT]

I am at 120K so on my own. I e-mailed the used ones I found in the classifieds. Is there other types I can get that are cheaper than new from cummins. I figure stock would be fine with me but open for suggestions. I do have a cummins exhaust brake if that makes any difference. I sure would like to know why it went to leaking though.

 

[thejeepdude]

I would think now would be a perfect time to have your turbo rebuilt by Piers or another reputable turbo rebuilder. While they're at it, you could have them add a bigger pinwheel and beef things up a bit, and balance the whole thing so bearing wear is less likely to be an issue down the road. I would think this would cost less than a new turbo... maybe 400 bucks or so?

 

[DDT]

OK, Thnaks for the tip.

I called Piers and got a new one comming, it has a bigger pinwheel, It also is alott cheaper than cummins reman. Since I don't have time for my truck to be down, I have to go this route.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[thejeepdude]

Cool! Which one did you get? Let us know how you like it once it's installed!

 

[DDT]

I got What Harry called a new modified, A bigger pin than stock, He wanted to know what mods I had and if I plan on any more, since I have all the power I need to pass with heavy trailers, I plan on stopping at this point. Self control don't let me down. It sounds like I am getting a better turbo than stock and it was $200 less than cummins reman.