Turbo replacement

John316 · February 28, 2011, 01:58:52 PM

We are probably going to replace our turbo this summer.

Nothing is wrong with it, as far as I can tell. However, I like preventative maintenance, and I have no idea how old it is.

Here is my question. Should we stick with the stock turbo? If not, what should we put in instead? Is it best to purchase it through our local Central power, or somewhere else (we know them, and if we get it through them, and have them install it, it will all be under warranty then). We do most of our driving at least at 65mph up to 75mph (depending on the speedlimit).

Suggestions?

God bless,

John

RJ · February 28, 2011, 02:03:34 PM

John -

If it ain't broke, don't fix it?

John316 · February 28, 2011, 02:16:36 PM

Quote from: RJ on February 28, 2011, 02:03:34 PM
John -

If it ain't broke, don't fix it?

But if it does break on the road? Then it is $$$...

Also, I thought the turbo was one of those things that could destroy and engine. You know, a bearing fails, blade hits the housing, and pulverises from there, putting fragments all through your engine...

What do you all think?

GP · February 28, 2011, 03:43:10 PM

John,
You mentioned you don't know the age of the turbo, do you know how many miles are on the chassis? If it's over 500k the new turbo may be the right way to go.
Unless you are looking for more performance the stock turbo would be my choice. I'm getting between 7.5 and 8 mpg with a stock S60 set at 470 hp in a rig weighing 45k and pulling a trailer most of the time.
Peace of mind, priceless!
George

Zeroclearance · February 28, 2011, 03:58:36 PM

John, getting stuck on the side of the road for a failed turbo is painful.

The Garrett turbocharger is very good, until the wastegate actuator arm seizes. We will have a overspeed condition which will lead to a compressor "burst" failure. It will usually happen on a mountain pass. The earlier design was prone to this failure.

You will get bearing wear overtime, this will cause to much shaft motion and you will experience wheel rub to the turbine and compressor wheel. You are grinding aluminum that will make it thru your intercooler and ingested into the engine.

With the turbo in a NON failed state, a rebuild should cost you around $475.00

Borg Warner/KKK has a replacement NEW K31 that I use on my Series 60... It is a very good unit.

luvrbus · February 28, 2011, 03:59:33 PM

John if I were you my main concern on the all mighty series 60 and you not knowing much of the history the bull gear would be on the top of my priority list 3,000 bucks to change but can save you 15 grand a bad turbo you can deal with till the next town not going to cost you much more on the road

good luck

John316 · February 28, 2011, 04:03:38 PM

George,

We have no idea how many miles the chassis has on it. We are guessing somewhere over a million miles, but don't know for sure. We take oil sample regularly, and had it on a dyno (sp?) last year. Everything on that side of the engine looks good. I just don't know about the turbo, and would sure hate to lose it.

Zero,

Awesome! Thanks for the input. That is great info. I will look into getting ours rebuilt. If not, I would probably look at the K31 that you mentioned.

Clifford,

Good input. Thank you. We will probably replace that this year too. I talked to Peter Pan (who was the PO of the bus), and talked with the shop foreman. I gave him the unit number, and he thought he remembered the bus. He said it would have had a minor overhaul (whatever that is, but I think he did mention the bull gear) and he said that it would have a rebuilt B500 tranny. Otherwise, that is just about all we know about it. Bull gear...good point. Will do.

Thanks.

God bless,

John

Utahclaimjumper · February 28, 2011, 06:47:19 PM

Sounds like a real "belt & suspenders" kind of guy.>Dan

boogiethecat · February 28, 2011, 06:50:43 PM

I wouldn't replace it. Other said "if it ain't broke don't fix it" I agree.
I had a brand new one blow on me because a seal was improperly installed.
No guarantee that a new one
will be any better or more reliable than an old one... and an old one that has a good track record -to me at least- is better.
Maybe just have it removed and inspected...

Just my 2ç

lostagain · February 28, 2011, 06:57:20 PM

I would just remove the intake and exhaust piping to be able to take a good look at the way it spins. A little play in the bearing is OK. Look for excessive oil in the housing. See that none of the blades are broken or chipped. Put it back together and forget about it.

JC