Can't hear the turbo?

[Hoovail]

I just picked up a 2000 F250 7.3 with 192,000 miles. this is my first PSD, but I've driven many diesels in the past. I have a few questions.

I cant hear or feel the turbo. Is this normal?

First tank of fuel I got 14.4 mpg in the mountains, with no load, at high elevations, 6000ft+. Does that sound about right?

The truck accelerates okay, but I expected more. It feels fairly sluggish. Is this normal?

I suspect the turbo is not working at it's full potential, or at all. Today I pulled and cleaned the EBP sensor and tube. No change. Next I pulled the plug on the EBPV. No change. Tomorrow I'll replace the EPBS, and see if that helps. If it doesn't help I'll try pedestal O-rings, and do a leak test.

Am I on the right track diagnosing the/any issue? Anything else to consider, or is my truck performing just fine?

[klhansen]

The way to check out the turbo is to put a boost gauge on it. Your ear isn't that good a tool. If you're expecting to hear it whine like some trucks, a stock 7.3L won't do that.

You should also take off the intake and check to see if the turbo spins freely and has no end play in the shaft.

If you pulled the plug on the EBP sensor, and nothing changed, I wouldn't investigate that much farther on that system, other than to confirm that the EBPV isn't stuck. The crank on the valve shaft should be turned as far as it can go toward the actuator for the valve to be fully open.

Your mileage isn't that far off, expecially if you only checked one tankfull.

[Hoovail]

∆∆

I forgot to mention I did pull the intake, and checked the turbo. Seems to be fine.

I pulled the plug on the valve, not the sensor. Should I try the sensor plug?

Do I need to pull the rod from the actuator before turning the crank? I briefly looked into it today, but it was a tight squeeze so I abandoned mission.

[tomlin]

Mine make very little noise as well but I can feel the turbo about 1800-2000 rpm. I need a boost gauge as well. I have the Ford AIS air filter and that quiets things down more yet. I have the overpriced but great sounding 4 inch Banks monster exhaust from turbo back and a unknown (came with truck) chip. I almost bit the bullet and purchased the Garrett GTP 38R ball bearing turbo for the whine and faster spool up but I have finally learned that if "it aint broke dont fix it" is solid advice. The truck has 109k on the odometer and the factory turbo should have many years left. That said, If I develop a pedestal oil leak or a EPBV issue. off comes the factory turbo and on goes a GTP 38R.

[tinman13kup]

Like Kevin said, get a boost gauge. I would also check the IC boots for leaking. Other than that, if you are looking at making it into a nascar truck, look into getting a chip

[fenspost]

yes check the rubber connector boots on the shiny pipes. Grab a 7/16th socket I think. Put some spin on the clamps.

1 on each side of the radiator, to uptop at the H pipe. Especialy the last 2 under the H pipe. Be careful not to overtightn these on the bottom.

Do make sure they are very snug. These are the plenum boots. Some have bent the plenums over tightening, but you can snug quite a bit.

Someone can hit the throttle while you check the turbo movement for a short time without intake on. Mine has small whistle out exhaust at idle.

Same miles as you but no cat on exhaust. Find another Superduty to drive and compare or get a shop to drive it also.

I tightened my boots and it helped tons. Plan to take off and replace soon.

[Hoovail]

Originally Posted by tinman13kup

if you are looking at making it into a nascar truck, look into getting a chip

Not looking to any performance mods, I'm just trying to figure out what is normal for my truck, and what i should expect.

Originally Posted by fenspost

yes check the rubber connector boots on the shiny pipes. Grab a 7/16th socket I think. Put some spin on the clamps.

1 on each side of the radiator, to uptop at the H pipe. Especialy the last 2 under the H pipe. Be careful not to overtightn these on the bottom.

Do make sure they are very snug. These are the plenum boots. Some have bent the plenums over tightening, but you can snug quite a bit.

Tightened them all today, no change

Originally Posted by fenspost

Someone can hit the throttle while you check the turbo movement for a short time without intake on. Mine has small whistle out exhaust at idle.

I'll try that

Originally Posted by fenspost

Same miles as you but no cat on exhaust. Find another Superduty to drive and compare or get a shop to drive it also.

I definitely need to drive another to see what it feels like. Thank you

[Hoovail]

Today I did a leak test. It definitely leaks pressure. found a small leak at the wastegate actuator line and fixed it. The system still leaks a bit. should it be totally airtight? I sprayed 2 bottles of soapy water everywhere and can't find a thing. Is there a hidden leaky spot I should know of.

I also did the foil delete mod. I still do not hear the turbo.

A boost gauge is definitely in my future.

[tattoocharlie]

yeah you wont hear the turbo with the stock airbox....i went to a diy tymar set up...with 4 1/8 aluminum pipe,i can hear my turbo now

[fenspost]

What I mean by intake is remove all the plumbing from the filter box to turbo. See if the impellar spins by hand.

If the environment air is clean fire up the truck and see if it spins. Put a brick on the accelerator if by yourself.

Put the E Brake on of course. Lol