Really bad turbo lag

[d and b installer]

03 6.0. My truck has me scratching my head, and its a little scary to drive sometimes. the problem seems to be really bad turbo lag. When i step on the go pedal the truck seems to take about 30 feet before it will start to build boost. this makes it really hard to get out into traffic. once its starts to build boost its fine and will blow the back tires off even with 800lbs of tounge weight on the back. any ideas what could cause this.

[nylyon]

I've got some lag as well with my 03. In my case I think that it's because of a cracked Y-Pipe which will get replaced in April (too cold now) and I'm planning on cleaning the turbo at that time as well.

[DesertSmoker]

Has your turbo been cleaned? My guess is veins are sticking??

[deucer]

Good call "DesertSmoker". That is exactly the problem. Did my Turbo clean and freed up the Variable Veins and it is virtually instant response when I throttle now.

[d and b installer]

that would make sense anygood tech articles on how to get the turbo out without lifting the cab. I know it can be done just havent seen it done.

[DesertSmoker]

No need to take the cab off unless you are going to install some new head gaskets. I know there is a write up on here some place.

[nylyon]

M-Chan had a decent writeup on this. This is NOT FUN the first time, that rear bolt is a sonofabi&^% to get out. Buy a 10mm bolt-out before even starting on that one. Soak it with PB Blaster well ahead of time, then when you think that its soaked enough, do it again. I ended up cutting a 3/8" ratchet to the length of a 1/4" then with the socket firmly on the rear bolt, I pushed from the passenger side with a crowbar, smacking it a couple of times with a hammer. Be sure that you use plenty of anti-seize on reassembly.

[deucer]

I think I used a 3/8 drive ratchet with a 10mm socket then put a box end wrench over the ratchet and mine popped loose. After that it was downhill sailing. Couple of hours doing a thorough clean with on the Unison Ring and Variable Veins with a dotco motor and scotch brite pads. Here is the a link for cleaning. Diesel Technician Society

[DELTAJOHN]

I was lucky, my turbo was out in 25 minutes, and my truck has 133k miles. I found the rear bolt easy, I used an 18" 3/8 ratchet with a swivel head and 8" of extension. I did not even soak it with penetrating oil, I just kept applying pressure in "waves" and it POPPED. I found the bolt near the FICM more annoying, I had to use a wobble extension on it. I cleaned the turbo yesterday, and found it very clean, but it definitely moved more freely after the cleaning.
Maybe, because my truck is a Southern truck, the bolts didn't corrode. Anyway, I'll take it!

John

[grant2270]

What if you know that your turbo is clean, had it done by a reputable shop, and it is still lagging like crazy! Just like installer, it is almost scary pulling into traffic, but once the turbo catches it flies!