al_fol

Just a question and thought. First the question, do the block heaters have a built in thermostat of some sort to tell them to quit heating or do they just heat all the time?? Now the thought, I always try to plug mine in when i park it at night and the truck is at operating temperature. I just figure that if the heater is thermostatically controlled it would be cheaper to heat as it cooled than to heat from dead cold.

Just a thought, might save u a few bucks. Have u tried a headlight restoration kit? I have had good success with those. $30 bucks or so at your local auto parts store?

Well, the turbo really wasn't the problem. Finally decided to take truck to a mechanic friend of mine. He checked everything out and it appears the valve seats/seals are the culprit. He also recommended rebuilding the turbo because of the little bit of play in shaft. Maybe good time to upgrade turbo, any suggestions

I was speaking of the HE351CW, not the VGT. They are different aren't they?

Was wondering what issues I might have doing the swap? I realize that the newer turbo is a larger and more efficient. How should I go about dealing with the electronic wastegate, downpipe etc....

Ok, i am pretty sure my turbo is the culprit for my problem. After actually looking at a good turbo and feeling the amount of slop and play it had, i went back to mine and took a look. Mine actually spins freely, but it does have some side to side play and by pushing lightly to one side it really will not spin at all. it has no in and out play. I have yet to pull the exhaust side of the turbo to see if there was any oil in it (been way to busy). Does this make sense? If this is the problem, how hard is it to replace the turbo with let's say a 2004.5 and up HE351CW? Wastegate, downpipes etc........ Just trying to wrap my head around this.

Yes! I am actually south of that in Richmond, but I know where that is, and i too chuckle overtime I pass by. Wifey says I will never grow up. And you know what, she's right.

I am going to definitely going to recheck the turbo again. I pulled the intake use of turbo but did not pull the exhaust side. I too am leaning tiwards the turbo, but with my luck that would be to easy. I also noticed that the wastegate will operate when cresting a couple of hills, and I am just cruising along. Just let off the throttle to crest hill (quick transition from uphill to downhill).

I would be in central ky, 1 hour south of Cincinnati.

Thanks for offer, if u were closer I would surely take u up on that!

Thanks for reply, valuable information is always helpful, I just hope it isnt the rings or valve guides because I can not afford those repairs!

Well I would not call it excessive, but just enough to say huh, wonder what caused that? I am concerned. Also it will do same thing after going down a steep grade with tranny pulled down to 2nd(auto) to hold back the truck.

New symptom, need guidance. I have noticed that when idling at a long stoplight or waiting to get a gate open that when i go take off there is white smoke, followed by a bit of blue then it clears up. Could this be signs of turbo failure like moparman mentioned earlier in this thread or is this an entirely different issue? Guidance please.

Well changed my oil today, went with Rotella 15w-40, delo is not readily available. Might find a gallon here and a gallon there. Anyway, we will see what happens. I hope it is that simple.

Yes, I have checked it religiously every morning, same level place, engine cold since i have been monitoring it. Before that, i did not check it that often. The "check gauges" light never did come on. Always showed good oil pressure on the gauge.