How to know if Turbo is working?

Deanes · 2025-05-22T09:21:41-0400

NH T2410 55hp w/cab, 4 cylinder.
Somehow, it just seems to run out of power with not much lugging ability. For example; I'll be mowing along fine in light grass, but start up a slight incline and the engine starts struggling and slowing down to the point I have to downshift. I've had many tractors over the years and this is different than any of them. I don't know much about diesels, but is there a way to know if the Turbo is working ok, before I take it to a dealer and get a big bill to tell me it's ok?

Hay Dude · 2025-05-22T10:01:44-0400

You mean like it’s not working at all? Have someone walk next to tractor at full throttle but walking speed and listen for turbo sound.

If you mean how to check it to see if optimally running, pull the big hose off, grasp the impeller “fan” inside the turbo tightly and check for in/out play and side to side play. Should be very little to no play.

Check for a collapsed hose. Check for oil around turbo. It should be nearly dry. Look for oil between turbo and intercooler. There should be almost none.

Also, what color is your smoke?

Deanes · 2025-05-22T10:14:15-0400

Hay Dude said:
You mean like it’s not working at all? Have someone walk next to tractor at full throttle but walking speed and listen for turbo sound.

If you mean how to check it to see if optimally running, pull the big hose off, grasp the impeller “fan” inside the turbo tightly and check for in/out play and side to side play. Should be very little to no play.

Check for a collapsed hose. Check for oil around turbo. It should be nearly dry. Look for oil between turbo and intercooler. There should be almost none.

Also, what color is your smoke?

Deanes · 2025-05-22T10:17:26-0400

Thanks, I'll make those checks. I never see any smoke, except maybe a little black smoke at cold startup. But this tractor has the exhaust exiting under the tractor so hard to see with the cab.