Turbo issues DMAX/MUX

[jay1770]

It has come to my attention that Isuzu may be experiencing some turbo issues with later model DMAX/MUX.

I recently took my 2017 DMAX in for it’s 40,000km service. The turbo had been noisy (sounded very much like a police siren - a real head turner in carparks) for approx 1,000km & was getting progressively worse.
Initially it was noisy only when cold & under throttle but would disappear as it warmed up. Just prior to replacement it was noisy constantly even under no throttle. It sounded to me very much like the bearing was shot. No fun at all to drive.

A local turbo specialist said they had seen a couple of MUX’s with turbo problems & when I picked up my DMAX after the turbo was replaced under warranty the service manager at my local dealer revealed mine was the sixth turbo they have had to replace. It appears Isuzu Ute Australia at some stage changed their turbo supplier (obviously got a cheaper unit price but ultimately with sub standard components). My guess is Isuzu Ute Australia would be urgently reviewing this commercial arrangement (if they haven’t already done so) as it is no doubt impacting on their brand which is heavily known for & promoted for its reliability.

That aside I’ve got nothing but great things to say about my DMAX. I love it, it’s awesome!!!!

[Oskahenry]

My dmax sounds like a police siren and squeals every now and then.
It's a 2017 6 speed
Any ideas ?

[goody59]

Turbo requires to be replaced under warranty. Common fault.

[mydmax]

Makes you wonder if the quality of some oils used by some dealers isn't up to the mark. Generally the cheapest oil available seemingly with sufficient so called spec level on the drum. Maybe it breaks down sometimes. Just a possibility, seeing the failures are not everywhere and ONE dealer as mentioned above has replaced 6 turbos in his workshop. Sort of points the finger to me. "Oils ain't Oils Sol".
I know a RACV Roadside Assist outlet in my town serviced many vehicles and the oil was "Royal OIL" I had never heard of it but it is cheap, otherwise he wouldn't have used it.

[goody59]

I believe it is a bolt on turbo manufacturing issue as the replacement turbo has a different part in it from reading. Something to do with variable vane failure. The EGR system may contribute to the failure with adding a lot of carbon to stick to the moving parts maybe. Not good for sure. Since I have a MY18 it is a concern for me. I hope my fails whilst under warranty if it is going to fail, not out of warranty.

[mydmax]

Goody
Perhaps it is less quality turbos at some stage not sure you can go on part numbers as there is, I think/have seen 11 different numbers for the same injectors, so hard to tell.
The EGR system can have no effect on the failure as you suggest, because all carbon comes from the cylinder anyway and any which passes through the EGR still goes through the turbo as it didn't get there earlier. Poor oil WILL granulate far more than good oil does.. poor oil creates more blowby and MORE EGR crap going out of cylinders. If it is vane failure they are at the periphery and can only be contacted to make noise if the turbo concentricity alters and allows screeching of the spinning impeller. That again points to lube failure, bearing failure and 6 at the same dealer means either the same batch or the same lube. Quite an indicator of something wrong.

[goody59]

Great info mydmax. You may be right for sure. Thanks. You can see I have lots to try and learn.

[Danno]

I believe it is a bolt on turbo manufacturing issue as the replacement turbo has a different part in it from reading. Something to do with variable vane failure. The EGR system may contribute to the failure with adding a lot of carbon to stick to the moving parts maybe. Not good for sure. Since I have a MY18 it is a concern for me. I hope my fails whilst under warranty if it is going to fail, not out of warranty.

I read somewhere that you intended to keep the DMax for 20yrs? you're not going to do that with the EGR connected without replacing the motor once or twice...or at least fit a Provent to it.

[CN1980]

there is a video about this on youtube.Low range nick does videos on maintenance and modifications to his MUX.He is a mechanic in the sunshine coast, and his last video was exactly about this issue.He has replaced 3 turbos on his rig under warranty so far.

[mydmax]

CN1980
So 3 turbo failures on the same vehicle all within the warranty period. The company would be intensely looking at why, if it is true, makes a good video for those who want to absorb it though. Yes, turbos can fail, but 3 on the same vehicle AND the owner is a mechanic? rings alarm bells for me. I would be very seriously looking for reasons as to why, not just bandaiding the same problem. He may be better at video production than mechanics it seems. I have seen some very, so called, reputable 4WD businesses make some monumental stuff ups. It always intrigues me as to why someone who is in a business, makes such videos to try and eliminate their customers from wanting him to do work, doesn't make sense. I will tell you how so I cannot make a $?