Hello,
I saw your original post regarding the Caterpillar 3116 Marine turbocharger and want to post more information for those who may run into the same problem in the future. Typically when a marine turbocharger is not turning or is intermittently functioning its time to remove the turbocharger for evaluation. When a marine turbocharger doesnt turn there are two possible causes, bent shaft or corrosion in the turbine housing.
We specialize in marine turbocharger sales and service for all diesel engine manufacturers and have plenty of experience assisting customers with turbocharger failures. The most common issue we come across is turbine housing deterioration from salt water entering the exhaust outlet. If the impeller is rubbing the housing chances are the turbocharger ingested a foreign object ultimately bending the shaft.
Turbine housings that are exposed to salt water will eventually begin to deteriorate and small pieces of the casting will fall into the turbine wheel and ultimately locking it in place. Another scenario would be small metal shavings will end up behind the turbine wheel's heat shield, as the shavings build up behind the heat shield the shield will wedge itself into the turbine wheel, locking or restricting it.
If you have any questions regarding this issue feel free to call us direct, please reference the thread when calling.
Thank you,
Sean
Tri-State Turbocharger LLC
80 Greenwood Avenue #12
Midland Park, NJ 07432
1-888-292-7001 Main
1-201-857-0555 Local
1-877-882-9433 Fax