Duramax Diesel Variable Turbo Intermittent Issues | P0046, P2563

This 2005 Silverado 2500 HD with a LLY Duramax diesel has been throwing codes for the turbocharger. It's very intermittent. I suspect it's a mechanical problem with the turbo itself.
Check out Area Diesel Service here: areadieselservice.com

[@AreaDieselService]

Safe to say rebuilding that turbo is much more pleasant than installing it! Thanks for the shoutout!

[@WatchWesWork]

Any time!

[@silentepsilon888]

now I am curious, is the turbo Wes removed going to you guys at Area Diesel Service to be rebuilt and live on in another vehicle or is it scrap?

[@BigBoxDodge2020]

I've done a lot of mechanical work in my life. I'm 64 years old now. And I couldn't imagine doing a job you just did. It would have probably take me a week, if I could do it, and then I would be in pain for a month. Bravo young man!!! Cheers to WWW!

[@pootthatbak2578]

Im 61 just changed the oil cooler lines on my gmc 5.3 liter. On my back, with the motor mounts in. My lord, it took a week for the cuts on my arms and body pain to heal. Its not like when we were 17 and could swap a mustang engine and tranny out in only one day out in the street😊

[@davidcraven277]

You should try changing a turbo on a 6.0 power stroke in a Econoline van hint it comes out the back

[@MaxNafeHorsemanship]

I'm 64 and still pull wrench for a living. I also refuse to work on anything that new. There is quite a demand for someone to work on things with no computers...and a little more access. Nothing is ever easy and I still curse the engineers from 50 years ago.

[@jinnygaatjenietaan306]

I'm 59, and more than happy I do that kind of work anymore...

[@willb3018]

I am sore just watching

[@_BAD_MERC_]

What is not to love about Wes?? The engineers drawings and explanations, calm and cool demeanor, addictive personality and never a bad thing to say. If Wes is having a bad day - you'll never know it. Shocking there's not a million subs already! Much love and respect from Lee County Florida!

[@Start_TheArt]

I just commented a similar thing. I’m in Florida, I wish he was in St. Augustine

[@charlierumsfeld6626]

I love the drawings. Very well done

[@bluegrallis]

I can pretty much guarantee, with his calm demeanor, there isn't the amount of editing done as say, Kurtis, from Cutting Edge Engineering!

[@samholdsworth420]

I wasn't expecting to learn how a variable geometry turbo works

[@jamesdearman814]

@@bluegrallis love me some Homeless.

[@user-yt2nj8kc7q]

Is Wes a mechanic?engineer?fabricator?farmer?machinist?youtuber?or all of the above?? Impressive

[@mdariff839]

He is a F**k*ng Wizard!😂

[@thomasbrown9402]

yeah, "Farmer" pretty much covers all of those other terms

[@gbentley8176]

Maybe but being a family man tops all.

[@bags4]

Yes.

[@firesurfer]

According to his video he is a mechanical engineer specializing in automation and controls. (100K Subscribers Q&A Video) at 19 min 40 sec mark.

[@laxplayer99]

member the good ol' days when trucks had 8' beds and only 2 doors and shitloads of room under the hood.

[@josephking6515]

When you could stand *inside* the engine bay when you were fixing it. 😁

[@pootthatbak2578]

Yep..diesel engines that could withstand an EMF Pulse too!

[@mikemorton6219]

You could empty a 5 gallon bucket into glove compartment of a 1972 Chevy truck.😂

[@bill3641]

About 8 wires in the engine bay loom...........

[@DeweyCheatumNHoweLLC]

And the inner fenders were tough enough so you could sit on them while pulling the intake and heads?

[@stevebalser4649]

Kudos to Wes and ADS for rescuing another old diesel.

[@nbrowser]

You know when Wes pushes a company such as Area Diesel...he means it. Quality recommendation right there.

[@BryanPhillips-tk1km]

Wes isn't the only channel to recommend them.

[@noahbluesky4275]

Wes, I will never get tired of watching you work! I feel your pain on this stuff, fellow MN wrencher here (just on my own machines). Thank you for your continued posts. I know it's a lot of work, but it doesn't go unnoticed!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Another MN guy here.

[@kevinalbers1084]

Me too.👍

[@0xDEAFF00D]

Of all the places you've been to, Area Diesel Service is where I'd like to have a school trip.

[@josephking6515]

Great idea. I couldn't do what they do but it is real interesting see how things come apart and go back together again. That would have been a fantastic school trip too. 👍👍

[@12345NoNamesLeft]

They have a youtube channel.

[@AreaDieselService]

Stop by anytime!

[@FarmerDrew]

"It's pretty amazing that it actually works" yeah the VGT systems have always amazed me too

[@CAPNMAC82]

Made something extremely difficult seem easy--and that's just the video recording. The mechanic work is its own hurdle. Good job by Mrs Wes.

[@WatchWesWork]

This is the worst one I have done. The 6.4 is harder (cab has to be raised), but I refuse to work on those.

[@tdotw77]

Idk, it might have been just as easy\hard to pull a few bolts, a couple connections and just lift cab. So much easier to do anything on these diesel engine trucks. The battle would be the cab-to-frame bolts though, especially a 20 yr\old rusty one. 6 of one, half doxer of the other! 🤷🏻‍♂️ Tough call either way! 🤔👍🏻👌🏻🛠️🔧🔩🗜️🚜🏗️🛢️👨🏻‍🏭😄

[@ScottHammet]

Quite a few now of my favorite channels have run into a tight spot and Area Diesel Service has been the answer (more than once for you on this channel, I think, Wes). While I really enjoy the collaborations, I enjoy more seeing so many good examples of those who still care about doing a job well, and at a fair price. When I worked in the restaurant business back in college, I recall a stat that, on average, people who have a bad experience with a business will tell 10 people, but if they have a good experience, they'll only tell 1. The lesson...it takes 10 times the work for a business to build a good reputation as it does to ruin one. And boy oh boy do you and ADS put in the work. Thanks, Wes.

[@pootthatbak2578]

ADS looks like a great outfit..i saw a tour of their shop courtesy of one of youtubers..coulda been wes, i forget

[@alphadog6970]

Finding good service it's like finding a treasure and you want to keep it for yourself 😅

[@AreaDieselService]

Appreciate the kind words. It really is part of our culture here. We do the best we can do in whatever we're doing, we're honest, and we try to take good care of people. It's hard to compete with all of today's ecommerce and import stuff, but it's reassuring that we are fighting the good fight when we read comments like this.

[@montestu5502]

Thanks for opening up the old turbo so we could see how it is supposed to work!

[@AndrewMoizer]

Yes, I really appreciated that. The diagram was awesome to start with and the direct ‘show and tell’ was icing on the cake. Thanks big time.

[@billtodd6509]

Those folks at Area have got to be the best people to deal with on injection, turbo, and diesel fuel pump service going. I remember when you went there and did a video. I was at a big farm equipment auction yesterday up in New York State and saw three of their ball caps on three different families that told me they had their work done there. Bill

[@AreaDieselService]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

[@Start_TheArt]

This guy fixes cars, films it, draws diagrams and edits it. Amazing. I wish you were in florida

[@briancooke3673]

Yes ! Let us know if you ever move to Florida. With your reputation and word of mouth, you would do quite well here .

[@vitesseguy]

And our cars aren't rusty!

[@EddyLancerHands]

The variable geometry turbos in 6.7 Cummins have similar problems. They can use the vane function as an exhaust brake, but the turbo can get stuck in the full brake position and the truck never makes any power. Luckily, it's a fully electronic actuator that you can remove to manually actuate the mechanism to try and free it up, they even have a port to add cleaner as a service procedure. Unluckily, the actuator is attached with 5mm allen screws, and is conveniently exposed to the elements through the passenger wheel well. Fun times!

[@WatchWesWork]

At least the Cummins is possible for a normal person to remove, though it's heavy and awkward.

[@dangerrangerlstc]

The 15L had a problem for a while where at shut down, the turbo would go to full closed. Engine would cool and turbo would seize closed. Engine wouldn't even start. Had to loosen the turbo to manifold hardware to give some place for the exhaust to go. Engine could then start and run to at least get it in the shop.

[@allenwilliams6882]

International DT466E same problem. The ring that the variable vanes run in gets carbon and rust buildup killing the power. Variable vane technology is one of the worst things to put on an engine.

[@hopingforthebest1.9]

​@@dangerrangerlstcBeen there before, I've also seen DPFs completely face plugged because of a sticking turbo

[@oldcynic6964]

Does anyone know what real-world benefit is delivered by these variable-vane turbos? A fraction of a dollar less in fuel used (when the turbo is new and working properly)? A few polar bears saved ? Except when the turbos don't work properly the fuel consumption probably increases and the the cost to the owners to fix the issue greatly exceeds anything they may have saved from reduced fuel consumption over the life of the truck.

[@nv1493]

That VG Turbo sketch reminds me of the drawings some of us did as kids to magically explain our invented gizmos. Except in this case, you were explaining an actual engineered gizmo.

[@InLineDiesel6]

I have a new sense of appreciation for the amount of under-hood room in my RAM 3500 I-6 Cummins.

[@guymann4016]

Agreed. Frees up a lot of time for working on the rest of the truck.

[@tylermacconnell217]

Agreed, except the engine mounted oil and fuel filters are far more of a pain to get to then say a modern 6.7L Ford.

[@fbm314]

Wait until the turbo actuator goes bad on that truck... Pain in the ass to change.

[@brandon2076]

The peeps at Area Diesel Service are the bees knees, always pleasant to deal with and super helpful!

[@AreaDieselService]

Appreciate the kind words. It really is part of our culture here. We do the best we can do in whatever we're doing, we're honest, and we try to take good care of people. It's hard to compete with all of today's ecommerce and import stuff, but it's reassuring that we are fighting the good fight when we read comments like this.

[@smitty9733]

One video when you pointed the camera at a sad Max on a windy day and said " there's Max doing his best audition for an ASPCA commercial " I immediately burst out laughing and subscribed - you deal with adversity with humor - a very rare commodity -- thanks Wes

[@mikec6831]

Your videos are simply the best. No matter if you’re squirrel hunting, making a knife, remodeling or working on a vehicle, they are enjoyable and informative. Thank you for taking us along.

[@littlejason99]

Man, Area Diesel has really bailed a lot of people out of tough situations! If only all companies had their level of customer service and knowledge! Thanks Wes for compacting down a 12+ hour job to less than 30 minutes, we really enjoy the highlights! 🤣 This job "looked" easier than the fuel injector fiasco from a while back, which do you think was more of a PITA???

[@WatchWesWork]

About the same.

[@BHDEric]

My dad totaled my 05 LLY at 259k about two months ago. It warms my heart to watch your struggle on these from the comfort of my computer while I'm stationed over in Korea. I know it's gonna be a pain when I go to transplant the drivetrain into a new unwrecked body. At least mine spent its life in NC before I brought it to Ohio. Thanks Wes!

[@jeremyhelton984]

Thank you for your service

[@willgallatin2802]

Wes, I'm glad someone will fix a dirtymax. I much prefer an older mechanical cumming in my pickup. Far fewer things to cause issues while driving.

[@dirtydeedsvienna]

A classic Wes. Thanks for taking us along on the struggle.

[@rustyshackleford0710]

I enjoy watching you work on these old clapped out diesels!

[@chrisj2848]

Oh man Wes, this video gave me psychosomatic back pain! What a job👍

[@WatchWesWork]

It's also rough on the forearms and quads.

[@josephking6515]

@@WatchWesWork Please watch out for your back Wes. I winced when you lifted the turbo in over the engine. Ask me why I winced (and I wasn't a grease monkey).

[@frank-t6857]

​@@WatchWesWorkI really wonder where you get your muscle strain fixed. It is impossible to do this work without getting sore and physically hurt.

[@pootthatbak2578]

My knuckles started bleeding watching this..whats that called?? Oh yea..stigmata😊

[@jerryashlock5519]

I freaked at first - thought wes was going to source the turbo from “Jimbo’s “ - East St Louis IL … 😂

[@Me-zo8yc]

😂 Jimbo needs to make a reappearance

[@jeffmiller6100]

Wes you are the person that recommended Area Diesel on a video long ago that I watched. I am also a happy customer of them Purchased a reman pump for my 24 valve cummins. Thanks ! And another great video !

[@clintsmith559]

I’ve worked on the Duramax and Powerstrokes many times. I can feel your pain. I quit the mechanic gig five years ago at the age of 62.

[@ronicard]

Wes, I've always appreciated how you try to put yourself in the shoes of your customer and come up with a fix that not only works but isn't just firing the parts cannon at something. You try to find aftermarket or used alternatives for parts, when applicable. That's a rare trait these days. Your area of Illinois is lucky to have someone like you around.

[@Military-Museum-LP]

Wes thank you for taking the time to explain those who have no knowledge of how a VGT works. The design was excellent Wes Class.

[@josephking6515]

It's really good when you can find a business that actually delivers on what they promise. I've watched some of their video and they come across as good guys and extremely competent professionals, just like you Wes. 👍 Thank you for the video. ❤❤

[@willb3018]

I don't own a diesel and never have. But I know Area Deisel Service because every KZbin channel that I watch that has a diesel sooner or later ends up using them for something. Almost makes me want to buy one knowing they are there.

[@AreaDieselService]

We'll be here if you do!

[@keitho77]

One of those jobs that makes you question why you ever became a mechanic in the first place. Nice work Wes!

[@thomas316]

Right call on the turbo, good result for the client.

[@martyscncgarage5275]

Man, the things you go through to bring us these videos....I KNOW trying to work and video adds a tremendous amount of time to the project. Thanks Wes.

[@drewwatkinson6604]

Classic Wes! This video every two weeks is tough but you always bring something to assuage our pain. Awesome vid. Thx

[@tylerhunt891]

At over 200k on it, an intermittent issue of this magnitude I would just drive it, this thing is a few years from the scrap yard. Nice work as always Wes

[@WatchWesWork]

Not my call.

[@bradkahler]

Wes, your troubleshooting skills are as good as I've ever seen. I enjoy your videos tremendously.

[@gregquante8864]

Wes is the man. Love his explanations of what’s happening and especially the drawings. We appreciate your work in filming and sharing!!!

[@chooch502]

Hope your OK lot of bad weather rolled through last night. Thanks for all the great videos and hand drawn illustrations!!!

[@SamColtHolbrook]

Great video Wes!!! I really enjoy your repair videos. I find myself re watching some of your older repair videos.

[@thomasechols8834]

between You and Diesel Creek, Area Diesel Service may soon expand nation wide.

[@neonaffliction]

Thank you Wes i was dying of boredom on Sunday..

[@GeorgeKeith-fc2lp]

Adapting and overcoming on the fly with a sense of humor and good post production. Thank you for the work.

[@lucindas2931]

The first two videos of yours that I ever watched you were working on Silverado’s. My immediate thought was why why why are engineers allowed to design things they would never have to service. When this video popped up I got stressed on your behalf. What a horrendous job. And as usual you persistently worked to a favorable conclusion. Even though this was a pricey repair, it beats the crazy cost of new trucks today.

[@davidrose8046]

You never cease to amaze me. Wes you are a genius!

[@Shagnasty]

Hi Wes, everytime I watch you fix any vehicle. You make me glad I retired. I had my share of things. Keep having a hard times. Thank you for sharing. Always look forward to your next video.

[@TerryLawrence001]

I need a nap to recover from this one. It's good to hear that you have a production crew supporting you!

[@theronstein1760]

Wes, yet another excellent video of just how well you show us non-mechanics how its done in the mid-west! Thank you for your content.

[@martind701]

Not many people I've run across have the perseverance to do a job correctly as you do Wes. Good job.

[@thethomasj1795]

Those motors weren't designed for pickup trucks. They were designed for cabover box trucks. Easy access to everything. Great job getting it running the way it should!

[@lolatmyage]

Yeah tip the cab forward and go nuts, every nut and bolt is right there, insane to put it in a normal truck just like that

[@thethomasj1795]

@lolatmyage even if it was in a Freightliner or Kenworth etc. It would be easier to work on.

[@stormchaser8605]

You freaking rock Wes, my sunday is never complete without you

[@brycesefonte9093]

Great video Wes, thanks for taking us along on what was obviously a hugely challenging job.

[@everettparkin9795]

You’re not only a great mech/tech ,you’re a great videographer and editor too. I got just enough information to show how very difficult that turbo R/R is. As always I’m looking forward to seeing your next video 👍👍👍

[@gutsngorrrr]

I would not want to do that job, what an absolute nightmare. Great repair, as ever. Thanks for taking us along.

[@Oddman1980]

I just want to say, I'm a CAD draftsman, and I really enjoy the hand drawn diagrams. 13:04 I had an old Isuzu Trooper. It seemed like every part of that thing was bolted down under seven other unrelated things.

[@WatchWesWork]

Classic!

[@Steven_Will]

I love when the heading says fixing "intermittent issues " on your channel. The content is so good 👌

[@luvr381]

My brother has a 2019 Duramax, I turned him on to Area Diesel Service at your suggestion.

[@bruceknowlton8691]

Looks so much easier from my chair. Thanks for taking me along

[@WilliamPhillips65-69]

Thank you for Wes for all the videos. Out of all the "how to, and got it done" videos on the TUBE, your videos are the most entertaining and a very informative take on just how a job is completed. Love the effort you put into your videos. Please keep them coming.

[@angrypandaification]

The smile for the seguay into the ad was a nice touch lol. Great video Wes.

[@orbitalair2103]

3rd time back to Wes, you know its a wicked problem. Yoohoo Area Diesel Service !!

[@rhondasweeney7271]

I don't know how you do it, but I'm glad you do. You really troubleshoot what the correct problem is. And you fix it. You are one of the few mechanics that really sink your teeth into the problem. Thank you for sharing.😊

[@dalebailey1844]

Way to go Wes. I helped my neibor change his turbo out when the oil ran out of it like a can getting put in an engine. I took us a full weekend and three nights to fix it. New turbo from Oreillies was over eight hundred dollars. it did not come with the gaskets. But a year later it still runs like new with over 300,000 miles. The local dealer wanted over $4000 to do the job. Good stuff keep it up.

[@tct855]

Wes, you are simply awesome dude! Thank you for taking the time to film and the patience not to have a complete meltdown. Thanx Thom...

[@garysurovec]

Why doesn't this channel have 1 million subs?

[@larryskeeper1197]

Stacking all the nuts on the V band clamp is an old underground fitters trick. Keep all the threads protected from rust.... hopefully.

[@gregsimon1285]

This job is why junk yards were invented. Admire your persistence and do or die attitude but you went above and beyond with this one.

[@michaelmcdonald4869]

Could be having the worse day, but coming home and seeing Wes has uploaded, instantly good day. Thanks Wes!

[@OldBarkerRanch1981]

😂 I called it! Two minutes in and I was going to comment that on the 6.0L Fords the variable veins would get clogged up with carbon and seize up. To hell with variable vein turbos! Good work my friend as usual!!

[@petrnemecek4379]

On small engines the carbon buildup is usually from driving the engine too lightly and many times it can be "repaired" by taking it on highway or a long hill and make it work at high rpm and high load to burn the buidup. I wonder if this is same case, I doubt these big diesels are used close to maximum power often.

[@Burnsidef250]

​@@petrnemecek4379 My first repair if it was an old guy was to tell him to let his grandson take it out for the weekend. If that didn't work, at least on 6.0s a turbo is a half hour removal job if you know what you're doing

[@hannahranga]

Depends if you want power or reliability, what BMW can wring out of a 3L turbo diesel with 2/3 turbos is fairly impressive. Mind you something with twice the displacement and half as much boost/turbos will last twice as long.

[@joelsmith7868]

Loving the very subtle add placement. This comment brought to you by Area Diesel Service.

[@josephking6515]

I just wish they had a branch in Austruckinfalia. They now their stuff.

[@pootthatbak2578]

Not so subtle..its a great outfit, and deserves recognition. Lol i did laugh when he put their cap on😅

[@joelsmith7868]

@@pootthatbak2578 ya my comment was very tongue in cheek! If Wes supports I do as well

[@AreaDieselService]

@@josephking6515 We ship worldwide!

[@AreaDieselService]

@@pootthatbak2578 I did too!

[@jonunya3128]

always fun to see you fix all the things

[@97marqedman]

Happy Sunday, Wes! I’m eating breakfast before I head out to a customer’s farm to work on his ancient road grader, backhoe, and Peterbuilt. Gonna be a long day up here in far-north WI…chilly, windy, and rainy!

[@badmonkey3669]

I feel your pain I got roped into doing head gaskets on one of them and the book called for 41 or 42 hours labor I did it in 45

[@josephking6515]

42 hour book time, you're shitting me? 😱😱

[@badmonkey3669]

@@josephking6515 nope look it up is very labor intensive I can tell you that never removed so many parts in my life from a engine to do head gaskets and I have done many gas engines

[@leecarroll1817]

I was thinking it might be easier to pull the cab, yes what you endured makes my back go into spasms, Yes I have had 2 back surgeries prev. The dividends earned by being a heavy equipment mech. A removable trans tunnel would help, you know with straps. Hats off to you, WES YOU ARE THE MAN.

[@VorlonFrog]

Wes is truly an American treasure. Seriously, the guy can diagnose, figure it out, fix it, and explain what he's doing, too. That's gotta piss off some manufacturer engineers greatly. And that's okay with me.

[@MRrwmac]

"Not for the Faint of heart" was funny! You’re some special kind of persistant mechanic! Thanks for the video!

[@wiadv]

Great start to a rainy Sunday in Wisconsin

[@tomtke7351]

rainy in Colorado too

[@pnuttheclownh2254]

watching from Quakertown, Pennsylvania USA

[@chrisbukowski865]

East Greenville PA neighbor

[@ksokie63]

Hey Wes 👋, great video today. You're right , it does test your patience. But nice job on that turbo. It's always great to see videos from you.

[@jimburgess9205]

Wes, you impress the heck out of me with your work. I love your channel.

[@rcf8367]

Great diag & swap out, Wes to the rescue again!

[@andybonneau9209]

Glad to see you replaced the oil supply line as well. It's common to have them get cooked up and plugged. Some suppliers require it's replacement for warranty purposes. Glad you were doing this one and not me!

[@miker648]

My complements for your patience and perseverance. As, always a great video.

[@Sherlock067]

Wow , what a job Wes, but you made it look and go so smooth. Thanks for the new diesel contact, I’ll keep their information close by! You made the right call for sure, I bet your long time customer is smiling because you saved his ole faithful truck! Great video and yes hope to see more about the other project!

[@ckm-mkc]

Funny enough, I just got my diesel SUV back today after a turbo failure. New engine at only 65k miles, it was only $50k (!) according to the shop foreman - luckily under warranty.

[@WatchWesWork]

Holy crap! You could buy a new car for that!

[@tonygiraldes7848]

Just the greatest! 🙂👍

[@karencary3312]

Keep them coming. I love watching you getting in and out of tight places. Persistence is your middle name. ❤❤❤

[@stickit2theman1]

If I wasn't already motivated to avoid diesel trucks like the plague, this video did it for me Thanks Wes!

[@richardaston6361]

Rainman rays repairs will be your man 👍

[@chrismosmeier555]

This video is case in point why we don't touch our trucks lol. We build buildings and our mechanic keeps our trucks running to get us to the jobsite. I would lose my mind, break multiple parts and I'm sure at some point hammers would be involved.

[@ottoneidlinger4938]

You have written what 99% of us are thinking.

[@dieseldoctor2221]

Great repair Wes you are one of the true repairmen left in this country!!!

[@MikeyMack303]

I would have sent that job down the road! You, sir, have much more patience than I have! Thanks for bringing us along, Wes!

[@niteninja0133]

The best way to start my Sunday. Drinking some coffee and some Wes working

[@larryalexander4833]

Great Sunday morning to everyone. Good old Wess video thanks And remember everyone Jesus Christ is the answer ✝️🙏

[@TheFreightBeast]

Too bad pulling the cab wasn’t an option on that crusty thing!

[@WatchWesWork]

It would have made it easier.

[@andyworks5428]

I was going to say @flyingwrenches13 would have had the cab off. I think he pulls the cab to change the oil...lol

[@jeffcooper5789]

I was thinking along those lines. However this is an old truck. Not feasible.

[@frankl.5153]

Nice job Mr Wes. Thanks for keeping me/us humble.

[@jamesbrewer3020]

Nice work Wes! Always look forward to your videos.