Checking the Turbo
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 32
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From: Spokane, WA
Checking the Turbo
Hey gang,
My '99 is still "new" to me. Trying figure everything out is a process.
Just wondering, what is the best way to tell if my turbo is working properly or not? I've been driving the truck for approximately 4,000 miles, but am only getting in the range of almost 12 mpg to just over 16. Most driving is in the city for a short amount of miles.
The reason I ask, is that I was anticipating better mpg's, even with all the city driving I'm doing. I've heard that a bad or going bad turbo could be the cause.
Even if I am off base with the turbo to mpg relationship, what should I look for in my turbo, to make sure that all is well?
Thanks for your help,
//Dave
'99 F350 PSD
My '99 is still "new" to me. Trying figure everything out is a process.
Just wondering, what is the best way to tell if my turbo is working properly or not? I've been driving the truck for approximately 4,000 miles, but am only getting in the range of almost 12 mpg to just over 16. Most driving is in the city for a short amount of miles.
The reason I ask, is that I was anticipating better mpg's, even with all the city driving I'm doing. I've heard that a bad or going bad turbo could be the cause.
Even if I am off base with the turbo to mpg relationship, what should I look for in my turbo, to make sure that all is well?
Thanks for your help,
//Dave
'99 F350 PSD
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
Hey gang,
My '99 is still "new" to me. Trying figure everything out is a process.
Just wondering, what is the best way to tell if my turbo is working properly or not? I've been driving the truck for approximately 4,000 miles, but am only getting in the range of almost 12 mpg to just over 16. Most driving is in the city for a short amount of miles.
The reason I ask, is that I was anticipating better mpg's, even with all the city driving I'm doing. I've heard that a bad or going bad turbo could be the cause.
Even if I am off base with the turbo to mpg relationship, what should I look for in my turbo, to make sure that all is well?
Thanks for your help,
//Dave
'99 F350 PSD
My '99 is still "new" to me. Trying figure everything out is a process.
Just wondering, what is the best way to tell if my turbo is working properly or not? I've been driving the truck for approximately 4,000 miles, but am only getting in the range of almost 12 mpg to just over 16. Most driving is in the city for a short amount of miles.
The reason I ask, is that I was anticipating better mpg's, even with all the city driving I'm doing. I've heard that a bad or going bad turbo could be the cause.
Even if I am off base with the turbo to mpg relationship, what should I look for in my turbo, to make sure that all is well?
Thanks for your help,
//Dave
'99 F350 PSD
You can also visually inspect the fins on the wheel. If you're not sure what to look for post up a pic and we'll let you know.
On another note you can clean the back pressure sensor and tube. If it gets clogged, it can reduce efficiency. But honestly, if you're keeping on it ands king short trips, not ever getting up to full temp, that's not unheard of mileage. I get about 13-1/2 around town on a "cold" engine. Up to 19 highway.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 411
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Look over the inter cooler boots, up-pipes, and intake plenums. They are a common place for a leaks. Unless you see something obvious, do what Jeff suggested and use a spray bottle with water and a little soap to look for leaks. This is on my list when it warms up a bit
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 915
Likes: 3
From: Palatka, FL
You should post up how many miles are on your engine. I would look at the up pipes where they meet the collector and look for exhaust leaks. Leaking exhaust prior to the turbo steals compressed air(boost) from the engine. I am sure your donut gaskets in the up pipes are worn out. The boost gauge can tell you everything you need to see for the turbo output.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 32
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From: Spokane, WA
Thanks for the tips. I am currently at 213k miles. As I've only had the truck since mid-September, I'm not sure what, if anything, has been done to the truck. I'll work on building a boost leak detector in the morning, and see from there.
As far as a boost gauge goes, what should I get, and from where?
And where is the CCV hose I've read about disconnecting a plugging prior to pressurizing the intake? Any help on location of all the parts to check is greatly appreciated.
//Dave
As far as a boost gauge goes, what should I get, and from where?
And where is the CCV hose I've read about disconnecting a plugging prior to pressurizing the intake? Any help on location of all the parts to check is greatly appreciated.
//Dave
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
Thanks for the tips. I am currently at 213k miles. As I've only had the truck since mid-September, I'm not sure what, if anything, has been done to the truck. I'll work on building a boost leak detector in the morning, and see from there.
As far as a boost gauge goes, what should I get, and from where?
And where is the CCV hose I've read about disconnecting a plugging prior to pressurizing the intake? Any help on location of all the parts to check is greatly appreciated.
//Dave
As far as a boost gauge goes, what should I get, and from where?
And where is the CCV hose I've read about disconnecting a plugging prior to pressurizing the intake? Any help on location of all the parts to check is greatly appreciated.
//Dave
As far as the CCV hose, it's directly after the filter in the intake tube, in the bottom pointing down to the valve cover. It's got a short 90* hose connecting it to the doghouse on top of the valve cover.
As far as which boost gauge to get, any mechanical or electrical gauge will work, but there are a few favorites around here. Isspro EV2s, or autometer. Clay at riffraff carries both brands, there's a link right there in my sig. I also recommend deleting the air intake heater and using riffraff's AIH delete plug that's tapped for the boost gauge. He has 3 and 4 gauge kits as well if you are interested in adding others, like trans temp, exhaust gas temp, oil temp and/or coolant temp.
If you go the local parts house gauges, just make sure to get one that reads up to 30psi. You're not likely to get over 17psi without a redline delete or chip/tuner, but if you ever upgrade it will save you from replacing the gauge.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
And do you know yet if it's an early '99 or a late 99? There are a lot of differences, mainly dealing with the turbo, exhaust, intake, system.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Spokane, WA
Jeff,
The truck is actually a 2000, not a '99 as perviously discussed. Other car is a '99. Thanks for all the info. I'll be checking it all soon.
The truck is actually a 2000, not a '99 as perviously discussed. Other car is a '99. Thanks for all the info. I'll be checking it all soon.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
There's a lot of good info in my Tex thread (link in my sig). I wrecked my previous truck and got into this one in December, and every wrench I've turned has been documented very well there. And I've turned quite a few in that short time.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 32
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From: Spokane, WA
Jeff,
So what is the small hoop loking sensor right behind the air cleaner box. It plugs into the rubber hose that heads to what I believe is the CCV boot. It has two wires going into it? It was not plugged in all the way and being held "in" with a large zip-tie.
So what is the small hoop loking sensor right behind the air cleaner box. It plugs into the rubber hose that heads to what I believe is the CCV boot. It has two wires going into it? It was not plugged in all the way and being held "in" with a large zip-tie.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 9
From: Longview, TX
I think what you are referring to is the temp sensor. It usually goes into the back of the air cleaner box.
If it looks like this that's what it is.
Standard Motor Air Charge Temperature Sensors AX31 - Mobile SummitRacing.com
This provides the intake temp for the PCM. The overhead temp runs off of a different sensor near the front behind the grill.
If it looks like this that's what it is.
Standard Motor Air Charge Temperature Sensors AX31 - Mobile SummitRacing.com
This provides the intake temp for the PCM. The overhead temp runs off of a different sensor near the front behind the grill.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,555
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From: Longview, TX
any chance you can load up a pic? I'll try and get one of my truck for reference as soon as I get off.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 841
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From: Monroe, MI
could you post a pic. of the sensor? and if you wanted to check if your turbo was bad, I would take off the intake boot that connects to the turbo housing and check for any play in the wheel, side to side, up or down. if so i would consider a turbo rebuild kit soon or a new turbo. Also I would make sure your air filter is clean. You cold also try adding Diesel Kleen to your fuel that might help clean some of the insides up (injectors/fuel lines).
heres a link to the diesel Kleen. "Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost" Diesel Fuel Injector Cleaner 80 Oz you can get it at walmart or autozone and it comes in smaller bottles usually around $8 for a small jug
heres a link to the diesel Kleen. "Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost" Diesel Fuel Injector Cleaner 80 Oz you can get it at walmart or autozone and it comes in smaller bottles usually around $8 for a small jug
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 32
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From: Spokane, WA
Jeff,
Here's what I got. The first photo is from directly behind the airbox. It's removed for clarity. You can see what you think is the temp sensor.
The second pic is behind the first boot. You can see the short 90* hose out of the bottom. The turbo fins are right behind. It has another approximately 8" - 12" rubber hose from this hosue at the CCV to the turbo fins.
Any help or insight you have is greatly appreciated.
I have just started with Diesel Kleen, and am half way through my first treatment. The air filter has just been cleaned and is good to go.
Photo #1
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
Photo #2
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
I hope this works. Not sure how to do photos on here yet. If you want, PM me with your email, and I can send them that way.
Thanks for all your help.
Here's what I got. The first photo is from directly behind the airbox. It's removed for clarity. You can see what you think is the temp sensor.
The second pic is behind the first boot. You can see the short 90* hose out of the bottom. The turbo fins are right behind. It has another approximately 8" - 12" rubber hose from this hosue at the CCV to the turbo fins.
Any help or insight you have is greatly appreciated.
I have just started with Diesel Kleen, and am half way through my first treatment. The air filter has just been cleaned and is good to go.
Photo #1
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
Photo #2
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
I hope this works. Not sure how to do photos on here yet. If you want, PM me with your email, and I can send them that way.
Thanks for all your help.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 841
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, MI
Jeff,
Here's what I got. The first photo is from directly behind the airbox. It's removed for clarity. You can see what you think is the temp sensor.
The second pic is behind the first boot. You can see the short 90* hose out of the bottom. The turbo fins are right behind. It has another approximately 8" - 12" rubber hose from this hosue at the CCV to the turbo fins.
Any help or insight you have is greatly appreciated.
I have just started with Diesel Kleen, and am half way through my first treatment. The air filter has just been cleaned and is good to go.
Photo #1
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
Photo #2
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
I hope this works. Not sure how to do photos on here yet. If you want, PM me with your email, and I can send them that way.
Thanks for all your help.
Here's what I got. The first photo is from directly behind the airbox. It's removed for clarity. You can see what you think is the temp sensor.
The second pic is behind the first boot. You can see the short 90* hose out of the bottom. The turbo fins are right behind. It has another approximately 8" - 12" rubber hose from this hosue at the CCV to the turbo fins.
Any help or insight you have is greatly appreciated.
I have just started with Diesel Kleen, and am half way through my first treatment. The air filter has just been cleaned and is good to go.
Photo #1
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
Photo #2
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/fe...A%22s%22%7D%7D
I hope this works. Not sure how to do photos on here yet. If you want, PM me with your email, and I can send them that way.
Thanks for all your help.