early build f-550 64k has ate 3 turbos in its life. Now locked up.

byounger · January 29, 2014

Got one here that has had turbo failure at 12k, 31k, and 59k. Now it's towed in at 64k with glow plug circuit codes and locked up. Those were the only codes it had in it. Got it out and cyl 5 &7 injectors damaged. I have a long block approved. Also replacing cac, egr coolers. I am concerned about the turbo but everything seems fine with it now. Any input would be great thanks.

Keith Browning · January 29, 2014

With the 450/550 turbo failures you must be sure to update the calibration according to the Hot-Line. Apparently the original calibrations were asking too much from the turbos. What was the root cause of the engine failure? Were you able to tear it down or did you just swap it out per the TSB?

Brad Clayton · January 29, 2014

Sounds like spun bearings again.

batmantech · January 29, 2014

If that engine oil had debris in it, then that has passed through the turbo.

I bet if you recheck you will find an issue with the turbo. Then just resubmit for approval.

byounger · January 30, 2014

I put the turbo in at 31k with the 12b37? recall and reprogramed it. I didnt tear down the engine any further because it fell into the tsb. Friday i go back to work and will look at turbo a little closer and probally put one one to cover my butt. Anyone having problem getting fuel injectors? parts telling me they are D99 backorder.

Keith Browning · January 30, 2014

Injectors are indeed currently on backorder filling emergency orders only. Ordered one two days ago myself for a broken hold down bolt. I am tempted to reuse the injector.

Alex Bruene · January 30, 2014

Injectors are indeed currently on backorder filling emergency orders only. Ordered one two days ago myself for a broken hold down bolt. I am tempted to reuse the injector.

I always reuse the injector when a hold down breaks. I just replace the seals, tube and hold down... And the 0.7 hour abortion when needed.

DieselD · January 30, 2014

the reprograms have not seemed to help my rate of turbo failures on the 550s

byounger · February 22, 2014

Truck has been gone a couple weeks now. I replaced turbo anyway. So far so good.

byounger · March 14, 2014

That was quick. Made it 2k miles and the turbo is out again. The bearing is out and compressor and exhaust wheel contacting housing, also one of the exhaust turbines broke off and went down exhaust. What could be going on here, I replaced egr coolers and cac when I installed engine. There are no codes, maybe exhaust is plugged? causing bearing to over heat? This thing is a big pig weighs nearly 18k pounds. thanks for any info.