That whooshing noise coming from a turbocharged 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine is an absolute wow factor when you pass by. Despite being a mighty engine, this model can face turbo failure over time. And you need to diagnose the issue before it is too late.
The most common 6.7 Powerstroke turbo failure symptoms includes Poor acceleration, higher oil consumption, excessive smoke, loud whining, and lower boost are some of the symptoms you will notice with a faulty turbocharger.
We will discuss the most common symptoms of turbo failure in 6.7 Powerstroke engines and tell you how to mitigate these issues.
Read also >> 6 Common 6.0 Powerstroke Vgt Solenoid Symptoms (Fix Guide)
6 most common Turbo Failure Symptoms on 6.7 Powerstroke
The following symptoms indicate the turbocharger in your 6.7L diesel engine is faulty. Check the symptoms and take action accordingly.
#1- Low Power Delivery
Depending on specifications, the 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine can produce up to 475 horsepower. The torque figure is even more amusing at 1,050 lb-ft. So, you should accept fast acceleration from this engine. But you will see a loss in power if the turbocharger of your vehicle goes bad.
In such cases, the vehicle will not respond as quickly as you desire. That sluggish acceleration is the biggest sign of turbo failure. And even if the truck has faster acceleration, it will tend not to reach the highest limit of its power output. If you notice these symptoms in your vehicle, it is time to get the turbocharger checked.
#2- Excessive Smoke
You should experience less smoke than usual on vehicles with a turbocharger. But 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines sometimes produce much higher smoke than normal. The smoke coming out of the exhaust may be of various colors.
Blue or gray smoke from the exhaust is a symptom of turbo failure. This happens due to a worn seal of the turbo housing or a leak in the turbo system. As a result, oil can reach the combustion chamber due to leaks in the system. And the burning of the oil will create excessive blue or gray smoke from the exhaust.
This can be turbo failure only if the smoke is produced while revving the engine. Smokes after a cold start may not indicate turbo failure. And black smoke isn’t a symptom of a faulty turbo either.
#3- Loud Whining or Whistling
Though turbo noises are quite loud, they have some sweetness to them. If you notice any change in the sound profile of that turbo noise, something is probably wrong with the turbo in your 6.7 Powerstroke engine. The sound profile of a turbocharger depends on the air intake system.
For example, if there is a broken blade or pipe in the intake system, the turbocharger will produce loud noises like whistling or whining. You may also experience loud hissing or breathing noises from the engine. And all these symptoms indicate turbo failure.
#4- Low Fuel Economy
If the turbocharger on a 6.7 Powerstroke engine is working properly, the oil consumption of the engine will be in the normal range. But if you notice a sudden drop in the fuel economy, it can be caused by a faulty turbo. Oil leaking in the turbo system can be the main culprit here.
#5- Lower Boost
A boost gauge is fitted into cars with turbochargers to show the amount of boost produced by the turbocharger. This is usually close to the dashboard so that you can easily take a look at the gauge. If the turbo system works properly, the vehicle will produce desired boost without causing the engine to rev higher.
But if there is a sudden drop in the turbo boost, chances are the turbo system is going bad. You should check the system as soon as possible.
#6- Check Engine Light
The check engine light can come on for hundreds of reasons. Among those reasons, faulty EGT sensors and clogged EGR valves are responsible for turning the check engine light on.
So, if you notice the check light show up on the dashboard, you should diagnose the vehicle and determine the error code to find the solution. Also, a bad turbo shows this light.
How to Inspect Turbo on a 6.7 Powerstroke Engine?
After you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms on your 6.7 Powerstroke engine, a visual inspection of the turbo is a must. You need to check the following things.
- Remove the lower intake. It will expose the turbo shaft and blades.
- Once you reach the shaft, try to spin the blades. They should spin without any resistance. Check if there are any scratch marks on the inside of the housing.
- Then, hold the shaft and move it upward or downward. There should not be any play here, as the high RPM of turbo blades can damage both the blades and the housing.
- You should also check the inward or outward play of the shaft by pushing or pulling it.
How to Fix 6.7 Powerstroke Turbo Failure?
As soon as you notice symptoms of turbo failure, you should take the vehicle to an expert technician for a turbo checkup. If the issue isn’t that big, you might not need to replace the whole turbo system. But if it’s too late and the turbo system is damaged enough, you must replace the turbo.
It might cost about $3,000-$3,500 to replace the turbocharger on your 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engine.
NO POWER | 2020 FORD 6.7 POWERSTROKE **TURBO DISMANTLE** >> Check out the video below:
frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Check the following questions and answers to know more about the 6.7 Powerstroke turbo failure.
What happens when a turbo fails on a 6.7L diesel?
A failed turbo can cause the engine to run at the highest RPM. It will quickly heat up the engine and make it seize.
Can you drive with a failed turbo?
In the beginning, you may still drive with a failed turbo, but the performance will deteriorate. When the turbo completely fails, you should never drive the vehicle.
How often do turbos need to be replaced on a 6.7 Powerstroke?
It depends on the turbo brand, usage, maintenance, etc. Turbochargers will generally last up to 150,000 miles.
Conclusion
Turbochargers are the secondary powerhouse of 6.7 Powerstroke diesel engines. The force pulling you flat to the seat when that turbo boost comes up is incredible. But 6.7 Powerstroke turbo failure symptoms can be as frustrating. And if you don’t take the necessary actions in time, the condition of the turbocharger will only get worse.
We listed several symptoms for turbo failure on 6.7 Powerstroke engines. Know about these symptoms and check for them regularly to prevent the turbo from getting damaged.
