Not quite sure what the problem is, but here's what happened. I had cruise set at 75 and everything was fine, tuck ran fine, good oil pressure, plenty of power, no warning lights, etc. All of the sudden there was a clicking sounding type of a knock, for lack of a better description and a lot of bluish smoke I think, it was dark but I could see smoke in the mirrors. It would increase as the RPM's did. I got off the turnpike and called a wrecker. Checked the oil it was full and no puddles or leaks. I had my OBD II scanner with me and it read P0234 with no check engine light. As far as I can tell I think the engine sounds fine but the knock/click is so loud it's difficult to isolate. I don't have a fuel pressure gauge so I don't know what the pressure is but I have replaced the VP and the lift pump. Never had that noise before, nor have I had a blown turbo. Is it possible the turbo and or waste gate could be making the sound?

I am not sure... But does the sound keep pace with RPM rather than Turbo speed? I think that would be a fairly easy way to eliminate turbo noise. I am concerned it may be a rod bearing, wrist pin, or broken valve spring.

That's what I'm afraid of and the first thing I thought of when it happened. I was hoping maybe the code would lean towards something else.

That's what I'm afraid of and the first thing I thought of when it happened. I was hoping maybe the code would lean towards something else.

For the turbo pull the air intake and check for oil out of the compressor fins or any damage or oil in the cold pipe going to the intercooler. Also look for oil out the exhaust.

There are a lot of mechanical parts that don't have sensors... that's when you need a real mechanic. (Modern techs are lost if there are no codes... because they've never learned to troubleshoot logically.)I would pull the hoses on the tubo & inspect. Next I'd pull the valve cover & check for damage. I think it will become clear with these 2 things. Pressure in crankcase?Compression test next.

Turbo is possible but you need to pull the line to the intercooler and see if there is oil in it.

check shaft play, as well.. It should have some up/down/side/side movement, but very little, and the compressor fins should NOT contact the housing. Check in/out movement, as well. there should be none to very, very minimal movement when you move the center shaft/wheel in and out..My '01 has a very minute amount of oil in the turbo inlet. It shouldn't have any, but mileage and wear & tear will cause this in higher mileage turbos.

Ok, thanks for all the input. I'll take pull things and start looking.

Update: I looked at the turbo and it seemed fine, no broken fins and no movement. No oil in it, the air filter, or the innercooler. Hadn't had time to pull the valve cover but it's starting to look like I shelled an engine.

Any update?

The turbo seemed fine, no play or excessive movement. All the fins are there. I hadn't had a chance to pull the valve cover yet and take a look. I'm starting to think i shelled an engine.

compression/leakdown test?

I don't have a way to test it even if I knew how to.

I don't have a way to test it even if I knew how to.

Article is here... http://articles.mopar1973man.com/general-cummins/34-engine-system/144-compression-testing Just wish I had the tools to loan you... Even I don't have to test compression or leakdown.