Turbo replacement
 

Turbo replacement

Started by John316, February 28, 2011, 01:58:52 PM

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John316

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
Sold - MCI 1995 DL3. DD S60 with a Allison B500.

RJ

John -

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

???
1992 Prevost XL Vantaré Conversion M1001907 8V92T/HT-755 (DDEC/ATEC)
2003 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon "Towed"
Cheney WA (when home)

John316

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?

Sold - MCI 1995 DL3. DD S60 with a Allison B500.

GP

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
George & Debi
Indiana
99 Prevost XLV - Angola Conversion

Zeroclearance

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

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
Life is short drink the good wine first

John316

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
Sold - MCI 1995 DL3. DD S60 with a Allison B500.

Utahclaimjumper

Sounds like a real "belt & suspenders" kind of guy.>Dan
Utclmjmpr  (rufcmpn)
EX 4106 (presently SOB)
Cedar City, Ut.
72 VW Baja towed

boogiethecat

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
1962 Crown
San Diego, Ca

lostagain

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
JC
Blackie AB
1977 MC5C, 6V92/HT740 (sold)
2007 Country Coach Magna, Cummins ISX (sold)