Cat C15 engines are made to take a beating. They are the workhorse of the diesel engine world. The Cat C15 is the preferred engine choice for heavy-duty applications like tractor-trailers, farm equipment, earthmovers, etc. But, like with anything else, there will come a time when parts begin to show their age and will need replacement or repair.
Have you noticed a drop in boost? Is the power not what it once used to be? No, you are not going crazy. Chances are that your turbocharger may be to blame. A turbo is one of the main reasons that your Cat C15 diesel engine is as powerful and fuel-efficient as it once is. Turbocharger technology has advanced so much in the last few decades and with that, so has the potential for issues.
We, here at DFI, are committed to providing you with as much information as possible so that you can easily identify potential turbocharger problems on your Cat C15 diesel engine. However, in today’s modern diesel engines, issues such as blow-by and oil consumption may quickly lead you to think that a defective turbocharger is to blame.
Sadly, in some cases, the problem could be much more serious. Simply repairing or rebuilding the turbo will not resolve the issue. If you are unsure, a reputable shop such as DFI or Highway & Heavy Parts can help you make sense of everything. In a worst-case scenario, a full engine rebuild may be needed.
Much like the diesel engine, turbochargers are complex. When everything works as it should, turbos are are an invaluable piece of equipment that provides unsurpassed power and throttle response to an otherwise “lazy” diesel engine.
But what happens when it all goes wrong? And things do not work as they should? Low power, excessive smoke, and lack of acceleration are just some of the issues that can be attributed to a defective Cat C15 turbocharger.
Much like any other mechanical problems, if left unresolved, turbocharger issues can cause serious engine damage. For example, a worn-out shaft bearing can eventually cause the compressor wheel to shear off and enter the engine. This will often cause unrepairable damage.
It is extremely important to properly identify the issue before parts are replaced. Oftentimes, just guessing what the problem is will only end up costing time and money and the initial problem will not be resolved.
Getting down to the root of the issue is just as important as replacing the part in question. Is the turbo passing oil past the seals? Is it running hot? Are there cracks in the housing? These are all questions that an experienced mechanic will be able to answer.
As an owner-operator/driver, you should keep an eye on increasing boost pressure, excessive turbo shaft play, or excessive smoke coming from the exhaust. They are all indicators of something more serious going on. If not taken care of on time, these seemingly small issues will become big, costly problems.
So, you’ve concluded that it is the turbo that is causing issues. Now it’s time to figure out why these problems have happened in the first place. At first glance, simply replacing the damaged part will solve the issue, but we have to go a little deeper and ask why the problem has happened in the first place. If not, chances are it will happen again.
The turbocharger is designed to be a sealed unit so that no outside debris enters the intake. Unfortunately, even with proper maintenance, foreign objects can enter the compressor or turbine housing. And since turbochargers often have millimeter clearances, even the smallest piece of debris can cause serious damage.
The best thing one can do to prevent this from happening is to change the oil and filters on time. Also, checking for excessive play on the shaft bearings is a good way to tell the age of a turbo. If the bearings have too much wear, it can cause housing damage.
Oil leaks on a turbocharger are commonplace. They can be caused by several factors including failed oil seals, damaged compressor or turbine housings, bearing wear, and even from the engine itself. While the Cat C15 diesel engine is robust and durable, it is not immune from problems.
Fortunately, most of the issues can be prevented if caught in time. Preventative maintenance is the best thing a driver/owner-operator can do to help their engine and turbocharger last. After all, the Cat C15 engine is used on applications that are made for work, and getting countless hours of trouble-free service is what put Caterpillar engines on the map!
Highway & Heavy Parts has put together a great blog about common turbocharger problems and failures. Read it here!
Looking for a new or remanufactured turbo? DFI has everything needed to help get you back on the road. Our extensive stock and experienced ASE-certified staff are what has set us apart from those “other guys”.
We are standing by and ready to answer any questions you might have about the Cat C15 turbocharger or any other diesel engine part. Give us a call at 1-855-212-3022 or contact us on our website!
