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CCFROMFL · 10-21-2012, 05:06 PM

Have a 2007 Damon Tuscany, 350 Cat. Had to recenlty replace the turbocharger to apparent "rust" on the internal shaft. On several occassions had error warning to check engine and stop engine, before you could scan engine temp, oil pressure warning lights would go off. When diag test run at Portland, OR Freightliner their computer indicated that the turbo was failing and recommended change out. Replaced in Anacortes, WA at the Freigthliner shop, close to our campround. Cost $3,000.00

Is there any maintenance that an owner can do to avoid this issue.

Jon Mopar · 10-21-2012, 05:50 PM

This is a shame, because you can actually refurbish turbos fairly cheaply....but dealers would rather just take your money. Your old turbo core would still be worth $$$ even in its rusty state. Anyway, the proper way would have been to get it jet-hot coated or ceramic coated etc (basically, what hot-rodders use to keep their exhaust headers nice and shiny). A low budget fix would be to use a high-temperature coating, like clear-coat. It would have to withstand temperatures of 1200+ degrees. Be careful what you use, and to not get a thick build-up of coating. Obviously, a professional method is preferred, as it'll last much longer and be more effective.

1ciderdog · 10-21-2012, 05:56 PM

Did they give you any idea of why there was rust on the shaft or what caused the problem? I don't think there is water in that area and no I don't think there is any maintenance you can do on the turbo shaft.

WeatherTodd · 10-21-2012, 06:32 PM

you should have gotten the core back or at least requested it.
Im betting they put a reman'd turbo on yours... and charged you for a new one.
BTW... the shaft is inside the housing with rubber seals and gets bathed in oil from the engine. Even if these go bad there is no way for rust to occur on the shaft unless you park it underwater.
Even if its water cooled... the glycol content would not allow rust to form.

ajm12 · 10-21-2012, 07:09 PM

What was your symptoms Before your turbo was changed?

Jon Mopar · 10-21-2012, 09:02 PM

I should add that mild corrosion is not out of the ordinary, and with a 2007, I doubt it would be THAT bad.

I doubt yours would be a victim of the elements the same way a pickup exposed to salt/snow would. If this was a 15yr+ old turbo diesel pickup truck with, then I would agree that maybe it would be an issue....although a rusty turbo often doesn't hinder performance (unless it's badly rusted/pitted from years worth of exposure). 3M offers a turbo reconditioning kit, which International-trucks service centers use for turbo overhauls. Food for thought.

R2Home · 10-21-2012, 10:49 PM

I am a little confused on what was called 'rust'! having rebuild serveral turbos for Detroit diesel engines I never saw any 'rust' on the shaft. I have seen seen shafts that had 'oil coking' on them from the engine being shut down before it was allowed to properly cool down. The heat in the turbo would still be high and cooked the oil that was on the inside.
What was the charge for the turbo only? $3k sounds a little high but.....

WOMD · 10-22-2012, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Mopar

This is a shame, because you can actually refurbish turbos fairly cheaply....but dealers would rather just take your money. Your old turbo core would still be worth $$$ even in its rusty state. Anyway, the proper way would have been to get it jet-hot coated or ceramic coated etc (basically, what hot-rodders use to keep their exhaust headers nice and shiny). A low budget fix would be to use a high-temperature coating, like clear-coat. It would have to withstand temperatures of 1200+ degrees. Be careful what you use, and to not get a thick build-up of coating. Obviously, a professional method is preferred, as it'll last much longer and be more effective.

To do as you suggest, would require the rebalance of the compressor and turbine. I've never heard of replacing a turbo due to internal shaft rust.

midwestboat · 10-22-2012, 11:02 AM

I just had my turbo replaced on my Cat C7. It was $2500, we were on a trip and it went out. $2500 installed for a reman with 1 year warranty. Turbo was $1800. Took 8 hours alot of that waiting for the turbo to show up. Didnt think it was that bad on price.

Jon Mopar · 10-22-2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WOMD

To do as you suggest, would require the rebalance of the compressor and turbine. I've never heard of replacing a turbo due to internal shaft rust.

exactly...shaft "play" is a cause for problems, but shaft rust is something I'm not familiar with.

Triker56 · 10-22-2012, 12:04 PM

C-7 Cat Turbo $480

Turbo for Cat 3406 $900

midwestboat · 10-22-2012, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

C-7 Cat Turbo $480

Turbo for Cat 3406 $900

The C7 turbo looks nothing like the one that is on my Coach. Unfortantley I didnt have the option of shopping for a turbo as we were on vacation. No reviews on those either. I prolly paid to much but was back on the road the same day.

Jon Mopar · 10-22-2012, 04:58 PM

A turbo is more or less a turbo, as long as the flanges etc are the same....doesn't have to look like your original one. I had a Cummins turbo under the hood of a little Dodge Neon SRT4-turbo (guess what that made it do??.....go really really fast!)

WOMD · 10-23-2012, 10:14 AM

Turbo's are not created equal.

VF11, TD04, TD05, TD06, GT30, GT35r, GT45R

They all look different, yet are all turbos, and when you change from one to another you need to have your engine re-tuned. Period.