I have a 94 f-350 7.3 idi with a factory turbo. The turbo starting making a sound like the bearings went out. What I need to know is if anyone can tell me what model the turbo is so I can rebuild or replace it and where is a good place to buy from. The turbo was made by garrett, but I can't read the model #.

 

Try calling ATS, they designed the system originally and I do believe they have a upgrade to that factory system. The ATS system is better than the factory one anyway.

 

or call banks and ask for the sidewinder. tell them your turbo is bad. i think it costs 2400 for the WHOLE kit and a little less if you don't want exhaust. if you have a e-4od ask them about the torque converter and trans command. i have never drove a truck with the tranny upgrades, but i have heard it is wonderfull when pulling.

 

(Sorry 89ford73, but I have to contradict) Dont call banks. Ive heard they are like sheetmetal and that they dont go on as well. Call ATS. Their system replaces the whole exhaust and the turbo exhaust housing. It costs 695 I think, maybe 595. You would still need to buy bearings, but Your turbo would become useful. I am about to do this myself. The factory turbo only gives "5hp." It generates 4-6 psi. The most an IDI can safely take due to compression ratio is 17psi. Anyways...

 

I'm curious what noise this thing is making? I've never heard a turbo on these things make noise unless they eat something thru the intake or exhaust side. There are no "bearings", just an oil fed metal bushing and rings to seal in the oil. If anything goes bad in there they will start throwing oil either in the intake or out the exhaust.

 

It's hard to explain the sound. It only does it under heavy acceleration. I originally thought it was the transmission since it only did it while in gear but I brought it to the transmission shop and that was ruled out. I have not had to time to look into it any further yet but plan to soon. I did not know that there isn't any bearings in the turbo. The tech that at the tranny shop told me it was bearings. I thought that the turbine rode on a shaft and the shaft sat in bearings. I'm clueless ...

 

I be wondering if he is hearing the turbo spooling up and making pressure???? If it is like a whistling sound, you should be good to go, if it sounds like brake pads grinding into the rotor, its the turbine/compressor grinding the inside of the housing.

 

It's not the turbo spooling up, I've had the truck for about four years and this is a new sound. I just came back inside from checking it and found some play in the turbine. What's the fix?

 

There will be some movement even in a new turbo. Check for any contact between housing and the turbine, intake and exhaust side, if none, put a pressure guage on the inlet housing top of intake[ a 1/8 pipe plug in hole I think} you may have an oring leaking between turbo and intake manifold. make one hell of a loud whine/whistle, and you'd hear more under load. You would probably also notice loss of power under load due to loss of boost. Also could T into pressure oil line at turbo and install guage to make sure you have pressure there. Just make sure you're still getting oil to turbo when you try this.

Good Luck. 7.3IDI turbo work great but they're still no POWERSTROKE.