Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Weird turbo noise

[GOlsen]

Within the last few days, I've noticed a weird sound coming from my turbo (stock BTW). It kinda sounds like when you spin something with a motor by hand. That's the best way I can think of how to describe it. Could this be bad?

On edit: Just to clarify, the turbo sounds normal until it gets to about 15# boost pressure.

 

[Deejayare]

Is it an air based noise, or a bearing based noise.

If it's air, you may have torn a boot from your intercooler supply or return plumbing.

 

[GOlsen]

I think it might be a bearing noise. It definitely sounds mechanical to me. Plus, I'm still able to make about 35#s of boost. It changes in pitch with turbo speed, only once it gets to 15#s. I don't know if it's relevant, but my boost pressure seems to jump from about 10 to 20#s with hardly any throttle. In that range is where the noise comes in. For all I know, it could be normal w/o the silencing ring, but I thought it would sound more like a whistle instead of a whine.

 

[SethA]

i would pull the rubber hose from the filter to the intake of the turbo and and move the compressor wheel there should be very little in any play in the bearings if there is alot your bearings are shot

 

[SethA]

another thought make sure all the intake manifold bolts are tight,

 

[GOlsen]

Alright, I'll check that out today. Thanks for the info.

 

[JWashburn]

When you pull the hose to check for play, then also check to see if any of the impeller blades have any damage on them. If the bearings have developed any play, then it may allow the impeller to contact the housing.

 

[GOlsen]

I don't know, maybe I'm just paranoid. I checked the intake manifold bolts, all the boots, and turbo endplay. I was able to tighten up some of the clamps on the intake side of the turbo, but the turbo outlet boot and all of the intercooler boots were tight and didn't appear to be torn. The turbo impeller had no damage and I wasn't able to move it with just my hands. I did find some black stuff on the impeller blades. Kinda looks like oil, but none of it came off when I tried to wipe it off. If I can figure it out, I'll attach a picture. #ad

 

[Extreme1]

That's K&N oil with the dirt that they don't catch stuck to it. The inside of your tubes, intercooler and boots will have a thin coating as well.



I first saw this on a friends truck a few years ago, he installed a box and kept blowing the boot after the turbo off on level 4. Everything had a good coating of oil on it and we couldn't get it to hold even after cleaning the oil off. He had to replace the boot in order to get the box above 4. His K&N went away.



Good (Solder-Seal brand) carb cleaner will remove it.

 

[GOlsen]

Ok, that's good to know. I know that in a diesel power mag, there was a filter company that was giving away filters for different manufacturers intake kits. Does anyone remember what company this was. I would really hate to buy a new kit when all I really want to do is replace the filter.

 

[CBeeman]

I think it was S&B

 

[GOlsen]

Thanks. I'll have to look into that. Do you know if they're any good?