Is my turbo working???

[piyeguyo]

Didn't want to hijack another post, so I'm creating a new one.

Green1 was saying his turbo is not working... and I'm wondering how does one test this???

If I want to know if the turbo in my van is working, how do I do it?

Thx,

Fabio

[marsgal42]

Your first test is to listen. The 4D56T engine sounds like any other turbocharged diesel. You'll hear a faint whistle on acceleration, but only from outside the van.

Beyond that you need to hook up a boost gauge.

...laura

[Schwa]

A boost gauge can be purchased at princess auto for $12-$17 depending on what sale is on.

[Green1]

I can't speak for your vehicle, but here is how I know mine isn't working:
- biggest clue is the "psst...psst...pssst" sound anytime I push hard on the accelerator, this indicates that my "boost" is going straight out the waste-gate instead of doing anything useful
- next clue, much less acceleration than other Delicas I've compared to, and harder to maintain speeds up steep hills (I have however learned to operate the vehicle in such a way as to stay out of the "turbo" and as such have better fuel economy than most delicas)
- it "just feels like" I don't have a turbo working... hard to describe unless you've driven diesels with and without...

[JMK]

How do you hook up the boost guages and what sort of information do the return? Are they able to rate the realtive efficiency of the Turbo, or does it just tell you if it is working or not?

[Schwa]

The gauge will show you 'how hard' the turbo is working by tapping into the air line that goes to the injection pump from the turbo with a tee... It is useful if you are trying to mind your fuel economy, high boost (+ RPM) = burning lots of fuel. Generally they don't tell you much directly, but can be interpreted to extrapolate information, as well as tuning the turbo's maximum boost.

[JMK]

Thanks Eric,

So in Green1's case, would it still appear as though the Turbo is working, or would it return a nil reading? Any downsides to hooking them up and then leaving them in place?

[jessef]

Thanks Eric,

So in Green1's case, would it still appear as though the Turbo is working, or would it return a nil reading? Any downsides to hooking them up and then leaving them in place?

No. It's a good thing. Just like a pyro gauge.

One for the boost and one for the temps.

Jesse

[JMK]

SOrry for all the questions but now that you have me convinced, one last (I think) question: if you buy a gauge do you need one specific for Diesel or do they all work?

[delicat]

They all work and should read boost up to about 20lbs average (you'll only need readings up to 15lbs). Pretty straight forward install. And Green1 vehicle shouldn't read any boost if his turbo isn't working (or very very minimal?).

David

[JMK]

Thanks Guys,

I was just looking at one on eBay, a Timex, wondering if it would be worth it. Some posts say the cheap $20.00 gauges from eBay are not worth buying, but I suppose they'd be as good as anything from Princess Auto for the same price.

BTW, really want to impress your friends? THis guy posted plans on how to build one from a Palm Pilot!

[JMK]

I was told by our mechanic if I was going to use the above, to be sure to also put in an exhaust gas temp, as that is the most important one for pressurized engines.

[delicat]

Exhaust gas temperature gauge = pyro gauge... same thing, or that's the way I understand it anyway. (Until EricN proves me wrong again!)

David

[EricN]

Tried to think of something buddy but you are right. pyrometer = EGT.

[jessef]

No. It's a good thing. Just like a pyro gauge.

One for the boost and one for the temps.

Jesse

Exhaust gas temperature gauge = pyro gauge... same thing, or that's the way I understand it anyway. (Until EricN proves me wrong again!)

David