When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have to pull the VGT Solenoid and test it today. Is it possible to push on the plunger inside of the turbo to see if the vanes are gunked up and sticky ?
I have to pull the VGT Solenoid and test it today. Is it possible to push on the plunger inside of the turbo to see if the vanes are gunked up and sticky ?
I suppose you wanted to check when it's in vehicle.
It is doable, but not very easy. If you can pry the c-clip out, you can take the cap out using a small screw. You can use a strong magnet to pull it in and out. I would watch out for dirt, rust and you may also mis-align the teeth, unlikely though. Watch out for the oring.
I will at least try it. There is no movement back and forth on the shaft but a tiny bit of play up and down. No sign of the fins rubbing on the sides. I am leaning towards a cleanup but the turbo has 100,000 miles on it. Here are some photos.
I think hooking that crankcase breather back up 6 months ago has gummed the vanes up. I had it bypassed for 5 years. I noticed 2 tiny pieces of what seemed to be leafy plant material stuck in the oily film inside of the intake hose that connects to the turbo.
When I had my 6.0's i took the turbos apart two or three times and cleaned sticking vanes. been a long time and don't remember exact details but I do remember it was Actually not that bad of a job. But I previously worked as a diesel mechanic and had a lot of experience in turbos off of cats, detroits, and cummins.
If there is little shaft play, you should be ok
If questionable, then you need to get a dial indicator on it after the compressor housing is off and check the play.
