TX_Diesel

As the title says, how do you know if you turbo is bad? My truck is fairly stock. Smarty, Tranny and Exhaust. But I only see 23psi (monitoring using Quad Scout, thru the OBD2 port) for max pressure.

Other than not making as much boost as I thought (should see 32 or so?) truck runs fine...

Any suggestions, (I still need to check intercooler boots, etc.)

thanks..

Shank

My guess would be that the Smarty is "fooling" the boost signal to the commputer. The reading through the OBD2 would not be correct.

BigJohnston

Smarty doesn't boost fool it reprograms the computer to except higher boost signals up to about 43psi then it will throw a code. I would reseat the connector to the MAP sensor and possibly send your Scout back to Quad to have it checked. The one way you will know for sure is to buy a analog boost gauge and temporarily hook it up to see what your boost is. If your truck is running fine and your egt's are good then it probably is some sort of indication problem.

TX_Diesel

so other than what BigJohnston has suggested, is there no real way of knowing a turbo is going out other than low boost? I guess I could measure end paly on the turbine maybe??

BigJohnston

A few days before my stock turbo blew up I could hear a weird noise under high boost. It almost sounded like the turbine or compressor wheel was touching the housing. Kind of a metallic shrieking noise.
You can take off your intake tube and see if there is any movement on the compressor wheel. Check for back and forth movement and side to side or up and down. One type of movement is normal and the other is bad. I can't remember which is worse. Good luck, Tom J.

bduncan1231

In and out is bad,what some side to side is acceptable, at least thats thats what they told me at Industrial Injection

rich

when mine went it changed pitch about 5 min before it cratered

SpitterGuy

A small amount of side to side is ok, but you don't want it to move so much where it'll hit the wall of the compressor housing. Oil in the compressor housing is also a sign of a bad turbo. Also check your waste gate for leaks/adjustment (if it's adjustable).

TX_Diesel

thanks guys...just an FYI i did as someone on hear suggested and that's tighten all my intercooler boots/connections and what not..this didn't yeild me any higher boost numbers but the boost seems more constant and responsive...wierd huh?

i'm gonna check the inside of the compressor..

thanks again!