Causes Of Turbo Failure

We've seen some of the brutal shots/videos of turbos having catastrophic failure, but why could that have happened? Nick breaks down a few direct causes in this video. Axial bearing issues, how the thrust bearing can tell a story of turbo failure, and much more in this Diesel Insights!

[@tonymedaris2267]

Great detailed video of Turbo failure with in depth engineering explanation! I do appreciate your videos and how to understand the system of diagnosis down to the component level diagnosis to tell the story. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience!

[@lavaweb1]

As someone new to the LBZ world, I really appreciate your breakdown! My buddy sent me your channel and now I have a lot of homework. thanks guys!

[@Duramaxtuner]

Thank you!

[@travisgoldston8530]

Excellent in depth of the inner workings of our turbos. I watch a lot of Dmax videos and enjoy these the most. Very well presented so anyone can understand.. technically speaking.

[@lawnboy4492]

Thanks Nick! As always love the videos and all the information. I wouldn't mind a video on the common failure points on specific turbos. I have an 18 L5p. Thanks again.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Noted. thanks for the feedback!

[@earlcahn3688]

As a new Lm2 owner - first time diesel owner, I'm learning a lot . Thanks and I'll be watching.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Welcome! Diesel is fun, enjoy.

[@kevinkalivoda3442]

How about a video about the common weaknesses/failures of each model yr turbo and what CPS has done with the stealth line of turbos to address these weaknesses

[@Duramaxtuner]

Noted, Kevin!

[@edsnyder4073]

Very good analysis and explanation.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Glad it helped!

[@klforrest573]

Thank You! Knowledge is so critical.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@klforrest573 You're welcome! We're glad to be able to share it.

[@jeffhamann4350]

Thanks Nick. Bought the Stealth 64 for my LB build.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Enjoy!

[@kevinryan3241]

Very informative great video, i like to hear the exact details.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@antelectric8554]

amazing sort of forensic investigation into turbos

[@Duramaxtuner]

Thanks!

[@jimm2442]

Excellent, Thank you!

[@Duramaxtuner]

You're Welcome!

[@henryedwards749]

Very informative

[@esoterictransmissions]

Great video Nick

[@Duramaxtuner]

Thanks!

[@brianuhing2657]

I remember working in the field and I pulled the killed the tractor at the end of the day and my dad chewed me out. At 13 I learned that you have to cool the turbo down for awhile. Before you shut it off. I do that with my pickup. As a precaution just gives me a peace of mind.

[@maryhoffman2547]

From not knowing a thing about a lly my wife inherited. I've learned so much from you. I don't want to work on duramax for fun,I want to do this for living.

[@ldarm]

This is very informative

[@Duramaxtuner]

Thanks!

[@peterlonter9053]

best explanation of turbo's most common problems .

[@Duramaxtuner]

Thanks!

[@lukedrakogiannskis8386]

Great video

[@Duramaxtuner]

Thanks!

[@clayschneider3036]

Yep go into detail on all dmax turbos

[@giovannipg3000]

Thanks

[@rancher9625]

I have LB7 with leaking injectors - already spent $10k trying to get it fixed, but still leaking. I now change oil at 3k because oil is getting diluted, been doing that for 30k miles. Guess what? Power is continually decreasing. I think you nailed my problem with your statements of poor oil. This video helps me to direct my attention. Thank you!

[@Duramaxtuner]

Sorry to hear about the issue, but glad our content helped you!

[@Mike-Capz83]

what are oil are you using? i have a 2015 ford escape 2.0 ecoboost, and i change my oil every 3k i use like pennzoil ultra platinum, valvoline extended protection,

[@rancher9625]

@@Mike-Capz83 - is your question for me? I'm using Rotella T4. What difference does that make to you? Have you owned a diesel that adds fuel to your oil? And after reading your statement about what you use, I read it as "I spend a lot more on my ford than I can justify." Not intending to disrespect, but unless your goal is to run your vehicle until it hits 500,000 miles without a rebuild, conventional oil at $4/qt has you well covered, especially at 3k changes. And FWIW, 3k changes is a marketing concept by Jiffy Lube back in the 70s with the goal of driving up sales, with no mechanical justification.

[@Mike-Capz83]

@@rancher9625 never owed a diesel one, but thank you for sharing your story I was just curious on what you used that’s all.

[@algarza79]

Thank you. Good information, Now I lo know why my Turbo failed, and I thought it was just a bad remand from Freightliner

[@IAmANaturalBeauty]

Hi Nick, can the DEF system cause turbocharger failure on a 2016 Hino 268 box truck with 274K miles? My check engine light came on and my truck started struggling to go uphill and after stoplights. A mobile mechanic suggested turbo replacement and deletion of the DEF system. What are your thoughts?

[@johnfranklin5277]

Most turbocharged engines today are running on 0 wt 20 oil. Will that contrute to damage and failure??

[@ssss-df5qz]

Could a new turbo, just fitted, leak oil on the compressor side if the pre-turbine exhaust flange was leaking badly?

[@DiegoRodriguez-cd6fq]

Hey Nick I blew my stock turbo to bits on my LB7 should I tear down my motor to inspect for any turbine shavings or bits of turbo wheel I ordered a stealth 64G2 turbo and I’m worried if I put the truck back together with new turbo and have engine failure in the future I need my truck back on the road as soon as possible !!! Awesome video by the way !

[@Duramaxtuner]

Give us a call, 815-568-7920!

[@SUBI_PaT]

I no this is a duramax channel an I respect all brands of trucks,I have a 06 6.0 powerstroke bought it 7 months ago it’s a lariat with 96k on it so dealership replaced the turbocharger after I test drive it was making a loud high pitch sound like the wheel an hosing were not getting along best way I can describe it,while they had it 2 injectors where not happy so they replaced all 8 oem injectors an new injector wiring an it’s definitely back to how it should be an no issues my question is based on this video are all turbochargers the same as in thrust bearings an balanced an the same failures? Since owning it I did new hot an cold side piping s&b intake crankcase reroute sinister diesel blue spring kit aluminum 3 core radiator 4in straight pipe to a axle dump an a cts2 edge insight monitor fresh oil change if the time ever comes what’s a daily driving friendly turbocharger and do I need to do injectors if I do a different turbocharger? Thanks for the awesome videos I’ve learned a lot from this video an would love to learn about other ways the turbocharger can fail,thanks nick.

[@jasonkent2390]

Please help I own a rv 7.2 litre catapliar engine, I don't think it's the turbo but I'm no expert. What's happening is 1600 rpm to apx 2100 rpm I'm getting a whistling noise. Noticed when the engine gets a little hotter the whistling is still there but at a lower volume as if it's doing away. Is this turbo related? I cannot seam to find the issue. Please advise on any of your thoughts and thanks you. Jason from the UK 🇬🇧.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

One other major thing, is to make sure that an engine that's been loaded, to cool before shut down. If the turbine volute is still hotter than the break-down temperature of the oil, the oil can 'coke', and that can cause a bearing failure. The lower the break-down temperature of the oil, the more important a cool down period before shut down. (idle the engine a few minutes before shutting off)

[@Duramaxtuner]

@vincentrobinette1507 Good point to make!

[@maxevans1954]

Thank you, I have your stealth 64.

[@smiIingman]

Ive a 1995 volvo 940 lpt and the turbo just isnt boosting. I noticed after i installed a gauge. Since then i bought an adjustable wastegate (Ive tightened it way too much for a functioning turbo, still no boost..) Checked the dump valve, it seemed perfectly fine? Checked inside by taking off the large hose, spins fine, doesnt rattle or have any massive gaps. I really dont know what to do anymore, i also tried driving without the wastegate hose connected, still no boost.

[@Duramaxtuner]

We haven't had our hands on a Volvo 940. We'd have to actually look to be sure. Sorry.

[@procrastinator1727]

I just replaced my old TF035 turbo with an aftermarket replica... was running okay but after making some tuning adjustments, I'd forgotten to tighten the intercooler hose clamp before taking it for a test spin. Very quickly into the drive the intercooler hose popped off while in boost of a little over 10 PSI. After putting the hose back on and tightening... it runs about the same but now has a high-pitched whining sound whenever turbo is actively spooling or maintaining. Could you give me an idea of what exactly happened within the turbo and if it's easily repairable? Guessing something to do with overspeed as a result of the hose popping off at a higher pressure?

[@Duramaxtuner]

We'd need to examine the charger for us to have a concise answer.

[@Re-engineer_everything]

I have a 2003 LB7. I bought a built engine, a WCFAB Stock/S475 through you, and a DT-750. I have fixed 4 boost leaks. I can build 25 psi at the Pipe that goes to the intercooler but I can’t build any pressure at the Valley turbo’s mouthpiece. If I put my ear on the Turbo mouthpiece there is a bubbling or gurgling sound. If I have a bad bearing or bad thrust bearing would it leak boost test pressure into the oil or coolant system? My boost leaks were the shop forgot the 2nd boost sensor port, the S475 compressor plate, the MAF sensor port, the bottom bolt of the Valley turbo’s compressor plate. I will probably get a 64mm Valley to match up better with the S475. I have smoke at 1/2 throttle to WOT. Do you sell a cap to cap off the IHI’s turbo’s compressor outlet?

[@Duramaxtuner]

Give us a call, 815-568-7920

[@vikashsoni4310]

great video of cause of failure of turbo with proper root cause explanation. #HATSOFF Many things has cleared about that. Thank you!

[@briankress9997]

I have a question for you I don’t have a truck I’ve got a 21 Infiniti Q 60 TwinTurbo and I am running a boost controller the other day. I noticed that one turbo was spinning faster than the other. I checked for boost leaks can’t find anything when I pull the air filters out which are k@n I noticed they were a little bit dirty so I pulled them out and I put the factory ones back in while I clean the other filters so I started it up and both turbos are reading the same rotation, speed, can a dirty filter, cause that thank you for your time Brian

[@Duramaxtuner]

Sometimes an aftermarket filter can cause weird issues. Did you clean the K&N and try them again? Or just the stock?

[@briankress9997]

@@Duramaxtuner yes, I cleaned the filters which only had 5000 miles on them. Put them back in everything’s fine that’s just weird never had a car do that before but this is the first time that I’ve owned a turbo car. Thanks again.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@@briankress9997 That is odd, wouldn't really know without getting our hands on something like that to diagnose.

[@calculatedrisk114]

What effects can a butterfly exhaust brake have on the turbo?

[@Duramaxtuner]

People still think it can have a negative impact. We typically don't see them much as we used to.

[@kevinryan3241]

Yeah I want to hear the differences between each Duramax engine’s turbo

[@Duramaxtuner]

Noted!

[@FL.AirBoater]

Will excessive engine idling damage turbo or dpf on a lml? Thanks!

[@bruceshepard1136]

From what I been told and heard do your own research Is that it is bad lot let them idle I listen to various podcast and they were saying the guy out there hotshoting the truck and driving it thru regen and running hard there not really working on them as much as the gentleman that drives it to work 15 min away and on weekends So I’ve been running mine the extra mile when it goes into regen hope this helps

[@Duramaxtuner]

Idling it for extended periods of time is not good for the truck.

[@videosvideos6243]

What causes early electronic wastegate failures?

[@Duramaxtuner]

Early failures can be: Mishandling of the turbo, water ingress, wire connector issues, and possibly vibration.

[@BALERMAN]

26308 hours on the motor and the crank broke before the turbo went. Mobil 15w-40 with one quart of Lucas every 4500 miles

[@jacksonreid6412]

Which engine?

[@BALERMAN]

@@jacksonreid6412 2006 LBZ

[@Duramaxtuner]

Yikes

[@jeremiahwiley5226]

Does not getting an overhead play into a turbo being blown or going out?

[@Duramaxtuner]

That should not be a factor.

[@PainkillerDubstep]

I checked my oil level on cold it was max. But on hot as the manufacturer GM said (operating temp) wait 5 minutes and check level, i did it was at minimum i added some. 1/3 of a Litre. So i was driving and there is now white smoke coming out the turbo i suspect. I wish i can attach a video. But yeah i was giving it a little gas, parked left in idle pop the hood, and found white smoke coming out of I'm suspecting the turbo. Is this also possible with a dirty air filter? I'm gonna check and.change my air filter today, I would do an oil change as well, but can't afford it atm. When we took out the turbo it had some side to side play(i had to use two fingers to move it, people said this is ok), but not all round, all the tails are intact. But the middle screw that's holding the intake turbo fan, is like slighty chipped. Is it out of balance now? Could this also be a vacuum issue (positive crankshaft pressure?) The sound of the turbo is normal, no whining, and the blow off does the normal Pshh sound. Opel Insignia 2009 2.0T Petrol Or Buick Regal 2009 in the US. I'm not from the States i live in Serbia, Hope to hear from you.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Sorry, we'd have to have our hands on it to diagnose and we aren't well versed in Buicks/Opel.

[@JamesMasterPlaster]

Nick great video I talked to Cris about a month ago my 2013 dura max and it’s issue my hoping that I can drive to your clubhouse and let you guys get into my engine I live in a desert for techs East Lansing Mi we just don’t have shops like yours here maybe I will call and talk with Cris and get something on your schedule and can’t thank you enough for all your support videos🏋️‍♀️🤺🤩🤗

[@Duramaxtuner]

Sounds good! Thank you!

[@austinjohal]

My 2012 f550 is on its 3rd ric flair. 100k kms

[@Duramaxtuner]

She's still going!

[@JoseSandoval-ic5xe]

Hi sorry have a question my car hasn't been boosting like before turbo has more than 176k on it can it be that it's worn out??I also hear a whistle noise while idling that goes away kind of like the turbine stopping from spinning.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Could be failing. Get it in to a shop.

[@JoseSandoval-ic5xe]

@@Duramaxtuner thank you

[@zachlangolf2287]

The propeller on the intake side is not supposed to have play in it ? truck has no codes but it has a rattle when the turbo builds boost only under a decent amount of boost

[@zachlangolf2287]

Do you sell new turbos ?

[@Duramaxtuner]

We have turbos for tons of models, give us a call 815-568-7920

[@robertbertram9582]

How much does tuning affect the turbo surging

[@WaterandWoodsmen]

Not much its mostly happens when you accelerate then let off fast

[@nickpriegnitz5895]

It depends on the turbo, variable geometry turbo chargers can be coaxed into or out of the surge a lot easier with tuning than a wastegated Turbo. Transmission tuning also can play in if the shift points are set too low for the turbocharger

[@robertbertram9582]

Thanks for the reply and sharing the info

[@buncherkev2794]

Why would my lmm flutter at 26 psi boost on a mini max tuner? My other lmm on efi live max effort doesn’t flutter at 38 psi BUT my thrust is done son lol new rds 64mm with a 9 blade on the way

[@Duramaxtuner]

It could be a few things. Give us a call, 815-568-7920.

[@fhclappen8595]

Mine just start wiseling like a siren. Really anoying. Start at 1100 to 3000 rpm.

[@Duramaxtuner]

@fhclappen8595 Excessive noise from the turbo is usually a sign it's in need of replacing. Did you get a good look at what the damage was?

[@jeremybardgett3850]

would it be reasonable to have an issue that isn’t going to need a full turbo replacement? Went to the dealer and they quoted $6k for a whole new turbo charger but they didn’t run any testing other than obd reader…

[@Duramaxtuner]

It could be like an actuator replacement or a specific part using a rebuild kit. It's plausible.

[@olegb.4604]

At some point Cummins was buying turbines for their engines that were manufactured in India, they were failing left and right.

[@Duramaxtuner]

Damn!

[@jamesabarela]

Why do i feel like hes talking to me like im stupid, or like its common knowledge to know the ins and outs of a turbo system? Just a feeligb

[@Duramaxtuner]

That's kind of two contradictory statements @jamesabarela