how to tell when turbo is going bad

[toddyman88]

Installed the DP chip Sat. Truck runs great. In the 80 hp economy tune when your cruising 50-60 and oput your foot in it, before it downshifts the turbo will like flutter.......build and dump build and dump sort of. Hard to explain. Can only get it to do it in that tune. Wondering if there are any sounds to look for when the turbo is going south.
I have the diy intake, 4" turbo back mbrp, and have noticed that when keeping my foot in it thru the shifts when the wastegate dumps it will make like a stuttered squeeking noise before getting all the boost out. Is this normal?

Early 99 7.3 4x4.

Thanks

[95dieselsmoke]

Take the intake off and see if the shaft has any play in it... both in and out as well as side to side/up and down.

[toddyman88]

If it has play would indicate thats the cause of the noises? And indicate its time for a new turbo? If so, whats the re-building options on those or should it be replaced? Thanks

[95dieselsmoke]

The shaft is a good indicator of the turbo going... could be the noise. They do make rebuild kits.

[southern7.3]

Originally Posted by toddyman88

If it has play would indicate thats the cause of the noises? And indicate its time for a new turbo? If so, whats the re-building options on those or should it be replaced? Thanks

Been told it is better to replace then rebuild. dunno though. Make sure your turbo wheel don't look like this.....



Lost of boost on a stock wheel causes surge

Wicked Wheel doesn't surge at all.

[orng1]

Wow looks like there are pieces missing off the tips of those blades. Yeah that is a definate bad turbo. Turbos are pretty easy to inspect, take off the intake on the turbo and look at it. A bad turbo may have oil, damaged fins/blades, excessive shaft play. Look for any of those signs.

[southern7.3]

Mine didn't have hardly any shaft play at all in it last I checked. The intake charger wasn't scarred up either.

The WW solved the surging problems. Now, according to my bullydog boost gauge, I floor it she peaks at 27 psi and its all whistle from there. I have tried to make it surge and it wont do it.

[95dieselsmoke]

Originally Posted by southern7.3

Been told it is better to replace then rebuild. dunno though. Make sure your turbo wheel don't look like this.....



Lost of boost on a stock wheel causes surge

Wicked Wheel doesn't surge at all.

thats a bad one there.

[toddyman88]

Thanks. I will inspect tommorow. Should I find any of the signs, where do I look for a replacment /re-build? Maybe just upgrade to one stouter? Is there such a thing for the early 99?

[southern7.3]

Originally Posted by 95dieselsmoke

thats a bad one there.

Yes sir. I guess I caught it in time though cause the turbo builds boost fine, doesn't leak oil and doesnt surge anymore. I got it a little hot one night running from a pissed off farmer. Parked it, ordered the ww and installed it a week later.