Turbo whine

[tangus89]

We all love the sound, however the factory turbo in my rangie has never made that sound. If it wasn't for the boost gauge and being able to physically touch the turbo you wouldn't think it was working or there at all.

Until today... Driving home I thought a Mack was following me a few times, but as nothing was there I thought it must have been part of the song that was playing at the time.
I turned the radio down and there was that beautiful turbo sound, first time in almost 2 years. This made me instantly worried as change is usually a bad thing unless you have done something to change it yourself.

I pulled over and inspected everything, nothing was loose, no cracks in turbo hoses, still sucking through the air filter, no funny leaks.

So what could have happened? The performance may have improved slightly if anything. Could that be the result of a stuck open waste gate moving as it should? It even howls just revving it with no load.

Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers

[steveG]

Any chance you've had the inlet hose come off, or something moved so the sound is being transmitted more than usual?

Steve

[tangus89]

Steve,

I have had a look at all the hoses and attached bits and nothing seems to have changed. It's a bit concerning seeing as it does about 1000km a week, if it goes I'll be driving a 2.6 series that distance. Not something to look forward to... I'll keep investigating.

[Judo]

Sounds like you do have a boost gauge. Is it boosting to the same levels now as before?

[tangus89]

Judo
Yeah it is the same boost if not a touch more. All I have changed recently is the fuel filters, the first time I have changed them at the same time. It also idles faster since I did that.

Not sure if that has caused it or is just coincidence.

[Judo]

Maybe the waste gate is stuck closed?

Unless your fuel filter was blocked enough to restrict flow, I have no idea how that could be related or why idle would be higher...

Hopefully someone else can suggest something. Meanwhile, enjoy the extra power. ;)

[County3.9]

Mine did the same, lasted for a few days then went away. I was worried the same as you. Maybe a bit of carbon sticks to the turbo vanes causing a whistle??? Don't know...did sound good tho...😃

[tangus89]

well the higher idle was due to my accel cable caught on something in the engine bay. the turbo whine is still there and louder than ever :p:twisted:

[Judo]

haha well maintained engine bay then? :p

[tangus89]

meticulously maintained. :angel:

it must have been when i did a filter change and moved it out the road around something and forgot....:eek:

[County3.9]

My turbo started whistling suddenly again today, sounds excellent but worrying, nothing good comes from sudden noise changes...

[tangus89]

Exactly my thinking!