Is there a way I can test and see if my turbo is working? I have a bobcat s-160 and it doesn't seem to have much power. I need to turn it up that will give it move power
If you have gauges you can check air filter restriction pressure and turbo boost pressure then compare them with specs at manufacturers rated engine speed. If the pressure is not correct you would need to do more investigation because the turbo can only charge air as fast as the exhaust gases are produced... i.e. could be a fuel or other engine problem.
Check the air filter if its blocked then that could be the problem. Also when you run your machine let it warm up for a few minutes and when your done let it cool down for about 3 minutes to let the oil cool down for a longer turbo life.
Have you changed the fuel and air filters? If the turbo was done you would have NO power and it would smoke a lot more the normal.
Typically when a turbo goes out it will be bearings and seals. When the bearings go you probably would hear a whining sound when you shut off the machine. The seals go next and then you notice high oil consumption as it will be leaking engine oil in the pressure side of the turbo which will be burned as it goes back through the engine. With the machine off take the hose off from the turbo to the intake look to see if it is oily then try to wiggle the impeller shaft, if it moves up and down more than slightly the bearings and bad and the turbo could be your problem.