ALSO my Turbo is whining! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-20-2002, 10:44 PM

Also, today I noticed something new

The turbocharger is whistling ever so slightly, I used to never hear it, but now it's stating that it's there. Basically as I drive by people they can definately tell that the car is turbocharged.

What do you think?

I ran 15/40 oil in it and then this happened, is it related?

psfred · #2 06-21-2002, 07:36 PM

Could be the bearings going if it "sings" with a multiple pitch noise. If it just whistles, a sound like a compressed air leak, check the seal between the turbo and intake and for a broken air filter to turbo tube.

If the bearings are going, it is most likely from not letting the turbo cool long enough when hot before shutting the engine off rather than the oil used -- dino oil in particular with "coke" into hard carbon deposits if you shut the engine off just after pulling off the highway without letting that white-hot turbine cool off! Easy to forget, as a cooldown isn't usually necessary unless you are on the interstate and pull into a rest stop.

It isn't normal to hear the turbo on an MB diesel, unlike the Volvo, where it sounds like a police siren a block or two back!

#3 06-22-2002, 07:11 PM

Huge crack in flex pipe

Replaced flex pipe

Noise gone

thanks

mikemover · #4 06-23-2002, 10:15 PM

I was about to suggest you check the flex pipe. I just had to replace mine a few weeks ago...It was doing the same thing. Pretty loudly, as well.

Mike

DieselHead · #5 06-23-2002, 10:49 PM

Pardon the ignorance, but where and what is the flex pipe? I ask because my turbo has gotten slightly louder too. Thanks so much!

Alex

190D22 · #6 06-23-2002, 11:16 PM

My buddy's volvo 850 turbo wagon had a nice turbo whine. Especially when it was cold out! What's with the volvos and their turbo whine?
My sister's 1.8T VW jetta only whines after 2000RPM when it really kicks in. Damn that car really moves and gets great mileage!!!

mikemover · #7 06-24-2002, 01:01 AM

It is the first segment of the exhaust system, connected to the back of the turbo, and extending back and down to the main exhaust pipe. Look on the passenger side of your engine, behind the turbocharger, between the transmission and the firewall. There is a section of flexible exhaust pipe there that keeps most of the engine vibrations from transferring to the rest of the exhaust system. They can weaken and crack over the years.

Mike

Capt Kirk · #8 06-24-2002, 03:02 PM

My "flex" pipe (I call it a down pipe) was broken into 2 pieces that didn't really line up anymore. It was as if I had a 10" Exhaust system length, boy was that loud

When I replaced it I was actually worried that I knocked something related to the turbo loose since it was so quiet and acted differently. Everything was fine it was just the fact that I never heard it with a proper exhaust system on. My friend said he could actually hear me down the street while he was inside while my car was running before I fixed it.

psfred · #9 06-24-2002, 07:13 PM

The Volvo whine has to be design of intake or exhaust since at least mine is a Garret Airesearch, very similar to the ones on some MBs. I'd guess the air cleaner and associated piping design or intake manifold.

I didn't know about it until I got mine fixed -- no whine when I got the car (no horsepower, either!).

Peter

190D22 · #10 06-24-2002, 11:45 PM

Is it possible to fit a turbo on my car? Or would I have to do LOTS of modifications that would just be ungodly expensive and really not practical.

mikemover · #11 06-25-2002, 12:10 AM

It can be done, but the question is: Is it worth the money, effort, time, and the inevitable decrease in durability/reliability.

Mercedes engines that have turbos were DESIGNED to be turbo engines, so putting one on an engine that was NOT designed for it WILL shorten its lifespan. Particularly the diesels. MB's turbo engines have different pistons, rods, injection timing, valve timing, exhaust systems, tranny gear ratios, etc.....and they are engineered to achieve maximum output and efficiency without compromising durability, economy, and reliability.

The money you would spend adding a turbo and all the neccessary modifications to your car (and it would be very expensive to do it properly!) would be better spent buying another car that already has one.

Mike

psfred · #12 06-25-2002, 06:34 PM

You can, however, drop a turbo engine with turbo in, if you can find one in good shape at a decent price. Take the tranny, too!

The 2.5L 602 makes the 190 a real rocket -- you will want the manual tranny from a 2.5L non-turbo, possibly the rear end as well.

Peter

mikemover · #13 06-25-2002, 07:27 PM

Good point, psfred!...Some engine swaps are fairly easy and direct, others are difficult. Either way, it makes more sense than trying to install a turbo on a non-turbo engine.

Mike

#14 06-25-2002, 11:44 PM

Is there any power loss with a hole in the flex pipe? Noticeable?

mikemover · #15 06-26-2002, 01:48 AM

Not that I could tell...just noisy, and I was getting soot all over the tranny and firewall.

Mike