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Symptoms of a Failing C15 ACERT Turbocharger

Your turbocharger is important to the overall health of your CAT C15 ACERT diesel engine. So, it’s important to replace it when something goes wrong.

You’re probably aware that one of the main differences between the CAT C15 and the ACERT is that the ACERT has two turbochargers. That means this component is even more vital to the health and function of your engine.

So, you probably want to know when it’s time to replace the turbo on your ACERT. For starters, if you notice a decrease in your engine performance, like low power or boost, one or both of your turbos might be going bad. If you think your turbo isn’t running like it should, we’re here to help. We’re going through some of the most common symptoms to watch out for when you’re diagnosing your C15 ACERT turbos. Symptoms That Point to a Failing Turbo on Your C15 ACERT When you’re trying to figure out what’s going on with your diesel engine, proper diagnosis is key to a successful repair. If you think your turbo is failing on your Caterpillar C15 ACERT, then here are a few symptoms you should watch out for:
  • Low Power
  • Passing Oil
  • Internal Components of the Turbo are Damaged
  • Low Boost
  • Runs Hot
  • Cracking on the Exhaust Side Caused by Heat
  • Turbo Shafts Have Play/Blades Rub the Turbo Housing
If you’re experiencing any of these it’s important to get the problem figured out. These issues could also point to major problems in your diesel engine. What Does This Mean For Your Caterpillar C15 ACERT Because of the way it is designed, some aspects of the ACERT can cause different problems than you might experience on other engines. The C15 ACERT’s twin turbo setup means there are more moving parts and components involved, which leads to more areas to check when diagnosing your issue. What to Look For First, you’ll notice with the turbos themselves that one is wastegate and one is not. You’ll also find a cooler inside the intake system. Some people have noticed issues with the housing on their high-pressure turbos, as well as failed bearings, carbon/debris knocked loose in the engine, and damaged fins. You might also have a loose shaft that makes the turbo blades rub inside of the turbo housings. An air leak in the turbo might also lead to a loss of pressure. Your later models come equipped with turbos built with roller bearings. When these bearings fail, it’s not likely they can be rebuilt, and they can be very expensive. How Highway & Heavy Parts Can Help! Here at Highway & Heavy Parts, we want to take the risk out of buying diesel engine parts. We carry a wide range of components for your engine, including turbos for your Caterpillar C15 ACERT. We have ASE Certified Technicians on staff who can help you diagnose your problems and make sure you’re getting what you need. We’ll work with you to help you get the parts to get the job done right. From diagnosis through delivery, we’re Highway & Heavy Parts!
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