Turbo Resonator Problem

[abittenbinder]

Originally Posted by jriordan

Doktor Andy is absolutely correct that the eliminator is not a resonator. I also agree that MBZ probably thought the design of the plastic device with the resonator chamber (that chamber is what makes it larger) would reduce the turbo whine, but just as Suba says, all of our customers have noticed little if any difference in turbo noise after they install the billet eliminator. Andy, we all agree MBZ makes great vehicles. I just think in this case they miscalculated the value of a slight noise difference versus the huge decrease in reliability of this particular part.

MBenz did not intentionally trade a "slight noise difference" for a "huge decrease in reliability of this particular part(turbo inlet resonator)". I'm sure the failures came as a surprise, disappointment and costly warranty penalty (In addition to resonator replacements I suspect more than a few turbochargers were removed and replaced at the dealership level before the resonators were identified as a probable cause of boost loss). A posting by one of your customers (on the yahoo sprinter site) contradicts your claim that "all of our customers notice little if any difference in turbo noise".
The posting from yahoosprintergroup: "I have one installed on my Itasca Navion motorhome, quick easy
installation, but there is a definite turbo noise between 2k and 3k
rpms, enough to make me want to install the latest plastic version and
keep the aluminum one for a spare."
While I commend you on your efforts and your entrepreneurship I remain unconvinced by your assertion that MBenz squandered time and Euros on an insignificant and "slight noise difference". And on a commercial vehicle. Doktor Andy

[Altered Sprinter]

Well guys this has been an interesting discussion
my thoughts are non biased, however there is a clear indication that the OEM part for Damlier-Chrysler has been prone to failure under certain conditions.
Be it a geo_graphic problem because of out side influences? , we all agree that the part has been an issue over the last few years, where there was no immediate rectification from the DCX group
My Thoughts from an out side perspective, is that Jim has come up with a part that will not break down! "as it is a seamless unit',
irrespectively of it being quieter, or a little more nosier than the original, is hear say each to our thoughts.
If I was in the situation of having to replace the unit then I would be buying from the alternative manufacture as to it being a superior quality product for longevity in the long term, "Just for the peace of mind"
I can guarantee you that the bean counters in Germany were aware of the issues in regards to the problems the Dodge/Freightliners were having.
But the 5 cylinder engine has gone, as it's been archived into the books of yesterdays history as far as the New Dodge Sprinters are concerned.
But not else where this motor continues to live,along with significant up grades and the proven rock solid sprintshift six speed auto, for the third Generation Sprinters.
As it was a proven and very reliable engine, elsewhere.
Where you have a 100% made in the USA billet eliminator is something to be proud of, I think I know where my money would go
Note, My Opinion only.
Richard
Third Generation 5 CYL CDI.jpg

[Suba]

" Well guys this has been an interesting discussion " -------------------------------------------------------- Sorry guys, I haven't taken the time to figure out how to use the quote function : )) Yes, I also think this is a worthy topic. Yes, your T/R may never fail. Yes, the all aluminum unit is well designed and implemented. If I can hear a sound difference, it's a very slight difference in turbo whine...that is to be expected. This is what I think. Don't worry about any added noise with the replacement unit.....you'd be hard pressed IMHO to detect any difference. Your stock resonator may never fail. I wasn't willing to take a chance on it failing on the interstate or elsewhere. If you've got an extra $100 to spend for a well manufactured part for your Sprinter that will also bring you a lot of piece of mind......just buy the replacement. I've noticed that the guy promoting the aluminum replacement has been on every conceivable forum to promote his product. That's smart business, and the guy has a good product for a potential problem. I think anyone who is complaining about added turbo whine honestly is probably unhappy with anything they buy. I made the right choice. I replaced my T/R elimintor in 30 minutes, and I feel it was wise money spent period. You guys have a nice day : ))

[chef]

I had a "limp home " episode this week..... loss of power, strange fluttering then grinding noise. I pulled over, couldn't tell what was going on. I started the truck....ok at idle, put it in gear....flutter and grinding noise and a big bellow of smoke out of the tail pipe. I check the oil....2 qts low.HMMMMM

I fill the oil, Limp a few more miles.....bad smoke pours ot of the tail pipe, I pull over check the oil and its burnt 6 qts in 10 minutes? Is that a symtom of the turbo resonator going?

Thanks,

Chef Mike

[Altered Sprinter]

No Chef
But Welcome to the forum.
Six quarts of oil in ten minutes means you have serious problems
suggest you start a new thread for HELP in Sprinter talk.
State your problems and when it started. such as miles done what fuel cold start etc.
We have mechanics that can assist you
Richard.

[topless]

Originally Posted by chef

I had a "limp home " episode this week..... loss of power, strange fluttering then grinding noise. I pulled over, couldn't tell what was going on. I started the truck....ok at idle, put it in gear....flutter and grinding noise and a big bellow of smoke out of the tail pipe. I check the oil....2 qts low.HMMMMM

I fill the oil, Limp a few more miles.....bad smoke pours ot of the tail pipe, I pull over check the oil and its burnt 6 qts in 10 minutes? Is that a symtom of the turbo resonator going?

Thanks,

Chef Mike

My guess is a blown turbo. There is a system pressure oil fed to the bearings in the turbo. If the turbo seals fail the oil goes directly into the engine causing excessive oil consumption and usually the bearings in the turbo fail due to lack of proper lubrication.
Depending on the mileage, it would be covered under warranty.

[chef]

Thanks Topless

[FFJeff]

As to the question could you really get stranded with a blown turbo resonator? Yes. A Sprinter camper loaded would not climb out of a steep canyon in crawl home mode.
I witessed this myself. They were the lucky recipiants of my old plastic resonator that was carried as a spare after converting to the Rirodan aluminum resonator.

[cpeeke]

I have had a total of four resonator failures in the first 12,500 miles of my 2005 Pleasure-way RV on a 2004 Sprinter chassis. All occurred while on trips away from home, and many miles from a "5 Star" dealership. The first limp home was with 4500 miles and took four visits to my dealership in Florida and the replacement of many different parts. The mechanic could get no help from DC with the issue. He finally just replaced everything it might be. At 7,000 miles I had another limp home episode in the Florida Keys. At 8500 miles I lost another resonator in South Carolina. By this time the dealerships had "been made aware" by DC of the problem, and had it fixed in about an hour. I got home only to have another failure at 12,500 miles. My Florida mechanic had it fixed in another hour. All failures occurred on level ground at 70 mph. I then bought the Riordan product and installed it in 20 minutes. My wife claims the turbo is a little quieter, I think the sound is just more pleasant. At any rate, I no longer wait for the excitement of another failure. The Dodge dealerships and mechanics should me commended for the all the hard work they put into fixing my RV with little or no help from DC. Mr. Riordan should be commended for coming up with a fix for this problem. I am not sure what the "Doktor" and DC should be, but it isn't commended. I love my Pleasure-way RV an everything else about the Sprinter chassis, but come on DC, get it together on this issue.

[Altered Sprinter]

What was a bad news story, turns out to be good news Story.
Thats great
Richard