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Variable Geometry Turbo

Yahoo Message Number: 61506
I had posted a while back about turbo whistle. Members replied that this sound is normal. However, it is new to my coach starting about 2,000 miles ago on a trip to NC. We are on a new trip now and are in Albuquerque, NM. In Mississippi the whistle became much worse sounding like a screech, squeel, and whine.
Passing vehicles would reflect the sound and it would be much louder. My wife kept thinking an emergency vehicle with siren was approaching. At a stop I listened to the sound at idle and it was coming out of the exhaust and is in lock-step with engine rpm. The strange thing is that the sound has been much less for the next three days, only manifest occasionally like when accelerating on entry ramps..
Cummins Coach Care in ABQ listened to it at idle and first suggested a bad muffler. They then said I have a Holset variable geometry turbo (VGT) on my 04 Cummins 400 hp ISL with 57,000 miles. They said it may be stuck in one position and also opined that we would be OK to get back home. Said they would need four hrs labor to inspect the turbo and that a new one is about $4,000.
I found a Holset diagnostic file online which described my symptoms exactly under "noise." Looks like the only answer is replacing the turbo. If we make it back home OK we will have access to good diesel service @ $70/hr.
Has anyone had a problem with a Holset VGT? What was your experience and outcome?

Thanks

George Harper
04 Allure
31093

Re: Variable Geometry Turbo

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61533
George,

If you don't mind sharing, where do you get the service at $70 an hour?

Thanks.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040
 

Re: Variable Geometry Turbo

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 61555
Ray

I am very fortunate to have a truck fleet operation where I live in Rome, GA, 65 miles NW of Atlanta, named Jim Loyd Transport. They have a modern shop and two good technicians that maintain the fleet of Freightliner and Volvo long haul trucks.
Jim is an RV'er and does not like the idea that some shops charge us almost twice the truck diesel shop rate. So, he charges $70/hr. If he thinks the time a job takes is too much, he will knock it down without being asked to. They did my PTO work. They do chassis work including brakes, tires, and gen and engine servicing. They can remove my turbo if needed. The best part is they don't mind me hanging around the shop while they work and happily accomodate my preferences.
As I said, Cummins Coach Care in ABQ said they would need four hours to inspect the turbo, and if a replacement is needed it that's another $4,000.
I did some research and found the turbo manufacturer's website. They show an authorized repair facility in Atlanta that can rebuild the turbo using original parts for $900-$1,600. Jim will probably get the lower price, so I'll let him order the job, and I'll drive the turbo down there.