M5040 Turbo Squeal when hot

[beemerphile]

I have an M5040 Cab tractor that develops a loud brief squeal coming from the area of the turbo when the machine is hot. It takes about an hour of running at PTO speed before the onset of the condition. The squeal lasts about 1/2 second and repeats randomly every few minutes. At first I thought it was a chassis squeak, but I finally noticed that it did it on level ground when the chassis was not stressed. The cab muffles it greatly, but when I open the left door it is a loud brief scream.

Any ideas? Oil level was good and 100 hours since change Delo400 LE 10W-30 in the engine. I changed it today for good measure and am sending a sample to Blackstone. I"m hoping I don't have a journal bearing going out, but logic tells me that is most likely what I am hearing. The tractor only has 400 hours since I bought it new.

Any help appreciated - Lee

 

[big bubba]

have you discussed this w/reliable service manager @ your dealership? or better yet, talk to a mechanic w/service manager where you purchased. although warranty is probably expired on that model, still worth their take before investing in replacement parts. imho

also, ensure all belts are tight on the engine.

 

[bookmyer]

I have an M5040. I don't think it has a turbocharge on the engine.

 

[big bubba]

I have an M5040. I don't think it has a turbocharge on the engine.

correct

 

[pmsmechanic]

So is it the air conditioning belt squealing when the compressor starts up?

Edited to add: I don't think it's the turbo as any squeal from there is usually catastrophic.

 

[beemerphile]

My 2010 M5040 indeed has a turbo and a three cylinder engine vs. a 4 cylinder normally aspirated engine.

 

[kuboman]

More likely either a belt or the alternator. Do you have AC? Could also be the belt squeal as the AC engages which would cycle every few minutes.

 

[beemerphile]

Clearing up the turbo question...

 

[beemerphile]

So is it the air conditioning belt squealing when the compressor starts up?

Edited to add: I don't think it's the turbo as any squeal from there is usually catastrophic.

That is what I thought as well, but that is where the sound seems to be coming from. The belts are on the front. I am well familiar with belt squeals, and this one is much more intense and briefer than that. My local dealer is not very good. There is an independent mechanic nearby and I may get him to give it a listen. This is made more difficult by the fact that the noise doesn't start until it has been running under load at PTO speed for an hour or more. I may try to get an onsite visit scheduled for him at a time where I can give the machine an hour of work before he arrives. Consistent with the statement (which I agree with) that a squeal from a turbo is usually catastrophic, I don't want to run it much until it is identified and fixed. I don't want shrapnel down the intake.

 

[bookmyer]

Clearing up the turbo question...

View attachment 516732

View attachment 516733

interesting that Kubota changed the design. I don't remember but mine was bought new in 2010 or 11?

 

[beemerphile]

interesting that Kubota changed the design. I don't remember but mine was bought new in 2010 or 11?

I'm wishing now that I had the earlier version. I am hoping that it is something external like the wastegate linkage. There are no other potential noisemakers in the area of the turbo and it is a noise unlike any I have heard a machine make. Think screech owl or something.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Screech owl! That would make you pay attention. So can you slip the intake hose off and look at the turbo shaft? I usually check mine once in a while just to see if the fins have been rubbing on the housing. You can also then put your finger on the end of the shaft and wiggle it sideways to check for how much play there is in the turbo bearings.

 

[beemerphile]

Screech owl! That would make you pay attention. So can you slip the intake hose off and look at the turbo shaft? I usually check mine once in a while just to see if the fins have been rubbing on the housing. You can also then put your finger on the end of the shaft and wiggle it sideways to check for how much play there is in the turbo bearings.

That is worth doing. Thanks! - Lee

 

[beemerphile]

Well I am quite happily wrong about my turbo noise. It is not a turbo, it is not a belt, but it is the A/C clutch that is squealing when it engages. I can deal with that. Thanks for all the input. Oh, and @pmsmechanic the turbo impeller and shaft look happy. That was educational.

Lee