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exhaust issues, need help

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Old May 1, 2008 | 11:54 PM
  #1  
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exhaust issues, need help

Hey guys,

I just picked up a '02 excursion 4x4 with the 7.3 PS. I have lusted after these trucks for years now, and I finally found one.

It has some minor issues, but nothing I shouldn't be able to handle. I have searched the forums for a couple of these issues, but still have a question or two.

There is a slight exhaust leak around the turbo that I can't find by looking for soot or feeling for exhaust. Is there any common problems in that area?

There is a "fluttery" tone with the exhast pipe, and no muffler. The previous owner installed a aftermarket 4" exhaust of unknown origin. Could the flutter be related to the exhaust leak at the turbo or lack of muffler?

I first asked in the excursion forum, and they said you guys were the best and should have the answers I need.

-Chuck
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 06:14 AM
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the flutter is normal on a strait piped exhaust..start your truck up.(when cold so you don't get burned) and feel around the back of the turbo where the up pipes and the babies butt are..feel really close around the clamp back there...sounds like someone was doing some modding..there is a chance they didn't get the babies butt on correct..there is a dowel and pin that needs to be lined up...what makes you think its an exhaust leak?? do you have gauges?? whats the boost and EGT's??
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by ron's power stroke
the flutter is normal on a strait piped exhaust..start your truck up.(when cold so you don't get burned) and feel around the back of the turbo where the up pipes and the babies butt are..feel really close around the clamp back there...sounds like someone was doing some modding..there is a chance they didn't get the babies butt on correct..there is a dowel and pin that needs to be lined up...what makes you think its an exhaust leak?? do you have gauges?? whats the boost and EGT's??
I'd bet he is mistaking that flutter for exhaust leak...it's a strange noise to anyone who has never heard it before.

Does it kinda sound like this?

YouTube - 2001 f250 diesel exhaust closeup
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 10:11 AM
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isnt that the sweetest sound??? is that your truck lisa?? id leave ya reps for posting it..but i got to wait cause i just gave you some the other day....sorry
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by ron's power stroke
the flutter is normal on a strait piped exhaust..start your truck up.(when cold so you don't get burned) and feel around the back of the turbo where the up pipes and the babies butt are..feel really close around the clamp back there...sounds like someone was doing some modding..there is a chance they didn't get the babies butt on correct..there is a dowel and pin that needs to be lined up...what makes you think its an exhaust leak?? do you have gauges?? whats the boost and EGT's??

I have run my hands around the turbo and pipes leading to it and don't feel anything. I think it's an exhaust leak because it sounds like one. Kinda like my Grandma's old pressure cooker. Pfft Pfft Pfft... It is hard to hear at idle, but increases with RPM and sounds like it is coming from around the drivers side near the turbo.

I do not have any gauges other than what Ford sent it out with. I am not sure I need additional gauges since I don't plan on doing many mods, or heavy towing. How important are boost / EGT gauges on a truck I plan on keeping stock?
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by ron's power stroke
isnt that the sweetest sound??? is that your truck lisa?? id leave ya reps for posting it..but i got to wait cause i just gave you some the other day....sorry
It is a sweet sound...& no that is not my truck. I stole it off youtube from someone who has the time and equipment to make such a nice video. One of these days ill borrow a camcorder and make some videos of red.

No worries on the reps. I appreciate all of the reps you've given me.

 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 10:25 AM
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THere are four bolts that hold the center section of the turbo together. Look with a mirror and see if all four are still in place. There is a TSB on the bolts falling out creating a sooty apperance on the center section of the turbo. The dealer has the upgraded bolts to address this TSB.

While you are on top of the engine, you can pull your intake off and feel if there is any play in the turbo thrust bearing. Grab the compressor wheel and move it up/down and in/ out. A little up/down play is acceptable, there should be no in/out play in the bearing. You will need a rebuild if so.

If you need a rebuild stop back and ask where to get one, depending on upgrade or just a stock replacement. We know a lot of vendors and who is worthwhile shopping with.

Most important, congrats to the new addition yo your family: your PSD.
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by BroncoChuck
I have run my hands around the turbo and pipes leading to it and don't feel anything. I think it's an exhaust leak because it sounds like one. Kinda like my Grandma's old pressure cooker. Pfft Pfft Pfft... It is hard to hear at idle, but increases with RPM and sounds like it is coming from around the drivers side near the turbo.

I do not have any gauges other than what Ford sent it out with. I am not sure I need additional gauges since I don't plan on doing many mods, or heavy towing. How important are boost / EGT gauges on a truck I plan on keeping stock?
look where pullinair said..it is common as well..they have a upgrade kit for them bolts...gauges are not that imporant on a stock daily driver..but the EGT and boost can answer a lot of questions when trouble shows up...

Originally Posted by Smokin'
It is a sweet sound...& no that is not my truck. I stole it off youtube from someone who has the time and equipment to make such a nice video. One of these days ill borrow a camcorder and make some videos of red.

No worries on the reps. I appreciate all of the reps you've given me.









 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 10:41 AM
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Does it have an aftermarket air filter?

I just installed the 6637 and when getting on the highway, or getting up to speed anywhere for that matter, I can hear something that sounds like an air release of some sort. I figured it's turbo noise that I didn't hear before the mod.



disclaimer: I am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express...
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 11:15 AM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by 4griffins
Does it have an aftermarket air filter?

I just installed the 6637 and when getting on the highway, or getting up to speed anywhere for that matter, I can hear something that sounds like an air release of some sort. I figured it's turbo noise that I didn't hear before the mod.



disclaimer: I am not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express...
Yes, it has a K&N filter.
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 11:35 AM
  #11  
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From: yucca valley, CA
Originally Posted by pullinair
THere are four bolts that hold the center section of the turbo together. Look with a mirror and see if all four are still in place. There is a TSB on the bolts falling out creating a sooty apperance on the center section of the turbo. The dealer has the upgraded bolts to address this TSB.

While you are on top of the engine, you can pull your intake off and feel if there is any play in the turbo thrust bearing. Grab the compressor wheel and move it up/down and in/ out. A little up/down play is acceptable, there should be no in/out play in the bearing. You will need a rebuild if so.

If you need a rebuild stop back and ask where to get one, depending on upgrade or just a stock replacement. We know a lot of vendors and who is worthwhile shopping with.

Most important, congrats to the new addition yo your family: your PSD.

Thanks Pull,

I will check that out this weekend.

Is there a shop manual that you guys might recommend? I work on military diesels, but this is the first diesel I have personally owned. I have a pretty good mechanical background, so I don't need something too dumbed down.
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 11:43 AM
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Dude...get rid of the K&N. They say theyre NOT good for our 7.3's. Im sure someone else will chime in though.
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 11:48 AM
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Originally Posted by schlepprock379
Dude...get rid of the K&N. They say theyre NOT good for our 7.3's. Im sure someone else will chime in though.

Really? I have never heard that before. Why is that bad for the PS?
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 11:56 AM
  #14  
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Well I dont know if its the K&N..or the stock air box. I know the stock air box is junk but most say not to use the K&N. Do a search on DIY tymar type filter set up (thats what I run...very good filtration and breathing).
 
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Old May 2, 2008 | 12:10 PM
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They dont filter out as much as alot of the other aftermarket filters . If you keep it maintained ( cleaned and oiled properly ) you wont have a problem... If anything else its still an upgrade from stock !!

Welcome 2 FTE
 
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