Troubleshooting Turbocharger issues
If you think your vehicle might have a turbo-related problem, stop before you replace because turbo damage can often be a symptom of an underlying problem rather than the cause itself. A lack of power, noisy performance or excessive smoke or oil consumption could result from a faulty fuel injection system, restricted or blocked air filters, a damaged exhaust system or a lubrication problem.
So, before you replace your turbo, click herefor a complete diagnostic check list – and then if there is no obvious cause, make sure your turbo specialist completes an extensive troubleshooting program.
The causes for turbo damages usually fall into the following four categories:
1.) FOREIGN OBJECTS
Turbo wheel damage, caused by small objects entering the turbine or compressor housing at high speed, leading to
imbalance.
2.) LACK OF LUBRICATION
Turbo fatigue cracking and material transfer created by metal friction and high temperatures as a result of oil
inlet supply restrictions, incorrect gasket placement and use of liquid gaskets or poor quality lubricants. Photos >
3.) OIL CONTAMINATION
Turbo bearing system damage caused by a high concentration of carbon suspended in oil, created by extended oil change
intervals or poor maintenance. Bearing damage caused by a steel shot suspended in oil following a major engine overhaul. Photos >
4.) OVERSPEED AND EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURE
Turbo damage caused by working beyond its designed parameters or outside the vehicle manufacturer’s
specification. Maintenance problems, engine malfuction or unauthorized performance upgrades can push turbo rotating speeds beyond its operating limits, causing fatigue failure of compressor and turbine wheels.
So, before you replace your turbo, click herefor a complete diagnostic check list – and then if there is no obvious cause, make sure your turbo specialist completes an extensive troubleshooting program.
The causes for turbo damages usually fall into the following four categories:
1.) FOREIGN OBJECTS
Turbo wheel damage, caused by small objects entering the turbine or compressor housing at high speed, leading to
imbalance.
2.) LACK OF LUBRICATION
Turbo fatigue cracking and material transfer created by metal friction and high temperatures as a result of oil
inlet supply restrictions, incorrect gasket placement and use of liquid gaskets or poor quality lubricants. Photos >
3.) OIL CONTAMINATION
Turbo bearing system damage caused by a high concentration of carbon suspended in oil, created by extended oil change
intervals or poor maintenance. Bearing damage caused by a steel shot suspended in oil following a major engine overhaul. Photos >
4.) OVERSPEED AND EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURE
Turbo damage caused by working beyond its designed parameters or outside the vehicle manufacturer’s
specification. Maintenance problems, engine malfuction or unauthorized performance upgrades can push turbo rotating speeds beyond its operating limits, causing fatigue failure of compressor and turbine wheels.
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