turbo dilema

[Deadlifter]

I have an 03 F350 with a 7.3 in it. It was starting rough in the mornings and would barely keep running. I brought it in thinking it was glow plugs or a glow plug relay, but the diesel specialists I brought it to said the turbo was bad and had been sucking oil from the engine. The truck was 6 quarts low on oil!! They said it was probably starting poorly because of the low oil.


Well, I dont have $2000 to drop on new turbo and labor, and I think I could do it myself with the help of my buddy. But Im wondering if its ok to go the used route, or if buying brand new is the better decision? Also if anyone knows any good sources here to get a decent turbo at a decent price.

Thanks

 

[geonc]

6 qts low.. how fast is this happening?

..is your exh pipe dripping oil? is there oil dripping from the boost tube boots?

You are most likely looking at a complete removal and cleaning of the intercooler and piping as well......

Sounds like the center support bushing seal is broken--it is in effect similiar to a piston ring--that is what keeps the pressurized oil in the bushing.

Most oil consumption related turbo issues will show some carbonized oil and a clean streak down the shield that seperates the hot side{turbine} from the center section.

A rebuild kit for those turbos is around $100. It comes with new center support bushing, seal rings and bolts....I just gotta look up the link----I get mine from a place in Ga.

Mebee another will chime in with a link.....

A 5/16" 12 point socket is prolly the only tool you would have to buy----and a couple cans of PBlaster

Wouldn't hurt to also plan on doing the up pipe dougnuts as well at you listed mileage.

 

[Deadlifter]

Not sure how fast its happening. Exhaust isnt dripping oil. There is no oil dripping from the turbo that I saw, but the rubber hoses running to it are coated in oil.

The fan insided the turbo housing has some play to it.

 

[trackspeeder]

Six quarts of oil should show leakage someplace. Before you go crazy on the turbo. Take a look at the fule filter. Bum injector o rings will do the same thing. If the fuel in the bowl is black, that will be your oil leak.

Just a thought. Might save you a buck or two.

 

[Double-S-Diesel]

a bad turbo will not cause a hard start, I also dont think 6 qts low would either.
the seals on the turbo are not known to go bad, hell Ive had them with the thrust washer bad an no leakage.
the turbo wheel will have some play, but if ya can move the wheel around and it dont hit the housing its Ok.

based on your post I would find a new specialist

 

[Deadlifter]

Well there were some errors on the comp they hooked up as well. 2 of them dealt with the turbo. Something like low turbo, and the other was no turbo detected.

And like I said, the big 4" rubber hoses going to the turbo were saturated with oil.

Im just wondering if anyone knows any good source on this site for a reasonably priced turbo, or if its worth buying a rebuilt one?

 

[Deadlifter]

a bad turbo will not cause a hard start, I also dont think 6 qts low would either.
the seals on the turbo are not known to go bad, hell Ive had them with the thrust washer bad an no leakage.
the turbo wheel will have some play, but if ya can move the wheel around and it dont hit the housing its Ok.

based on your post I would find a new specialist

Yeah... maybe I will take it for a second opinion somewhere.

The hard start they said, might be caused because there was not enough compression or pressure, cant remember which they said, for the motor to run right. when it was cold.

 

[h2odrx]

first off what state are you in? second your turbo if bad should be rebuildable. low oil may effect starts but my guess would be not. how many miles on it? how many owners? what other history can you give?


Welcome to OB!

 

[CSIPSD]

Sounds like you lost a seal in the turbo, removing a turbo is easy if you have a few tools and some time. I can R and R one in about 45 minutes now.

Pull the turbo, and check to see if it has made contact with the housings, if not, rebuild it... If so, replace it with another stocker or an upgraded one.

 

[Deadlifter]

first off what state are you in? second your turbo if bad should be rebuildable. low oil may effect starts but my guess would be not. how many miles on it? how many owners? what other history can you give?


Welcome to OB!

Im in WI.

Well with the oil where it should be it started great this morning. No missing or quitting like it used to.

There are 102k on it, and I am the second owner. I bought it with 45k on it. Its been treated well. Oil changes every 5-7k or so.

 

[Mike]

You can rebuild you own turbo if it isnt trashed (like CSI mentioned) for under $100.00.