Turbo Tips
What causes Turbochargers to fail?
1: Lack of Maintenance
Lack of engine maintenance is one of the biggest contributors to turbo failure. Turbos operate in extreme conditions, and they rely on a steady supply of clean oil to function correctly. Over time, dirt and debris can build up in the engine oil, which can cause premature wear and damage to the turbocharger’s bearings and seals to avoid turbo failure, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and to keep your engine oil clean and topped up to ensure that your turbocharger operates efficiently and reliably.
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2:Â Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters contribute to turbo failure by restricting the flow of air to the engine and the turbocharger. Turbos rely on a steady flow of clean air to operate efficiently, and a dirty or clogged air filter can restrict the amount of air that enters the engine, which can cause the turbocharger to work harder to produce the necessary boost pressure. Regular air filter replacement can help prevent turbocharger failure and prolong the life of your engine.
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3: Oil Leaks
Oil leaks can cause turbo failure by reducing the amount of oil available to lubricate and cool the turbocharger’s components. Turbos rely on a steady supply of clean oil to operate efficiently, and if oil leaks from the turbocharger’s seals or bearings, it can lead to premature wear and damage to the turbocharger. it is essential to address oil leaks as soon as they are detected to prevent turbo failure and prolong the life of your engine.
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4. Overheating
Turbochargers rely on cool air to function properly. If your engine is overheating, it can cause turbocharger failure by damaging the turbocharger’s components and reducing its efficiency. Turbochargers operate at high temperatures, and if the engine is allowed to overheat, the high temperatures can cause the turbocharger’s seals to fail, resulting in oil leaks and loss of performance. it is important to ensure that your engine cooling system is working correctly and that your engine is not overheating to prevent turbocharger failure.
Top 5 Signs that your turbocharger is about to fail?
1: Loss of power
the turbocharger is designed to make your car reach top speeds faster If your turbocharger is not functioning correctly is a lack of boost pressure. This is when there’s no increase in power or acceleration, even when you press down on the accelerator. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including a leak in the intercooler, faulty wastegate, or damaged compressor blades.
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2. Whining or grinding noise
This could be due to a damaged compressor wheel or turbine shaft or worn-out bearings. It’s crucial to address these issues as soon as possible before they cause further damage.
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3. Smoke from the exhaust
One of the problems with worn seals and cracks in the turbo is that this allows oil to enter the exhaust, which will burn off with a very distinct greyish blue smoke, it could be a sign of a turbocharger problem. Blue or black smoke can indicate oil leaking into the exhaust system due to a damaged seal or worn-out piston rings.
it’s essential to get your turbocharger checked.
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4. Excessive engine fuel consumption
A failing turbocharger will also cause your fuel economy to suffer. If you’ve noticed that you’re having to fill up your tank more often than usual, or if your diesel is guzzling fuel at an alarming rate, there’s a good chance that the turbocharger is to blame.
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5. Check Engine Light:
Many modern vehicles have computer systems that can detect turbocharger failures, which will activate the check engine light.
Can Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) Cause Turbo Failure?
The answer is YES the DPF is actually responsible for more turbo related failures than you might think. Here we explore what effect a blocked DPF can have on a turbocharger.
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Is it illegal to remove a diesel particulate filter (DPF)?
Yes, removing a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is illegal in many jurisdictions, including the United States, and is a federal offense.
This can lead to fines, potential vehicle impoundment, and other penalties.
Signs of a turbocharger affected by DPF issues:
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-Discoloration:
The turbo’s core assembly (CHRA) may show discoloration, particularly on the turbine side, indicating heat transfer from the exhaust.
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-Carbon Build-up:
Exhaust gases can force carbon into the turbine side piston ring groove and turbine housing, restricting movement and affecting performance.
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-Oil Leaks:
Excessive backpressure can force oil into the compressor housing, leading to leaks -Turbine Wheel Failure:
Excessive backpressure can force oil into the compressor housing, leading to leaks.
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How to resolve a DPF related failure?
-Determine whether the DPF is blocked.
-Contact a DPF specialist for advice.
-thoroughly check and clean the entire exhaust system – replace components as required -If the DPF is blocked, always replace the turbocharger core assembly to prevent possible oil leaks.
THE TOP 8 REASON WHY YOUR TURBO BLOWS OIL?
1: Blocking the crank case ventilation:
If the crank case ventilation gets blocked, the pressure inside of the oil pan will then build up. Because the crank case is pressurized, this no longer allows the oil drain from the turbo at a proper rate and will lead to the turbo blowing out the excess oil as a result.
2:The oil drain is too small:
If you purchase an aftermarket drain, oftentimes the fitting has too small of an inside diameter. This is the commons cause of oil coming from the turbo from the turbo because a factory MHI Drain has 16mm inside diameter while most aftermarket drain fittings have an inside diameter of 12mm. This size difference then causes the oil to not drain efficiently, and the oil can back up inside the cartridge. Coupled with new oil filling up the cartridge and all of the old oil not being removed; the oil pressure will build up and then be forced out through the seals.
3: Higher Oil Levels:
Sometimes the amount of oil in the oil pan can be higher than the oil seals. If there is too much oil in the pan or if the turbocharger in your car is relatively lower, then oil can get through the seals and begin to blow out.
4:Oil Restrictor In A Journal Bearing Turbo:
If you have an oil restrictor in a journal bearing turbo, it can sometimes cause a turbo to blow oil. This happens because the restrictor will starve the turbo of oil, which will cause all of the internals of the turbo (including all of the seals) to wear out. Avoid using an oil restrictor with a journal bearing turbo and if you think the oil pressure is too high, then get a drain with a larger diameter to better regulate the flow of oil.
5:Oil Pressure Too Low:
If the oil pressure is too low, it can cause the internal parts of the turbo to wear out such as the seals. This occurrence can lead to the turbo needing to be rebuilt but is usually extremely rare. On the flip side, the oil pressure being too high will never be a problem unless your oil drain is not big enough. An oil drain that is too small can lead to blockages as it simply cannot handle the volume of oil going into the turbo and you can see oil begin to blow out of the turbo.
6: Shutting The Car Off Still Hot:
After driving your car, don’t turn it off immediately after coming to a stop. Instead, let the engine idle for a few minutes first to allow the oil to circulate through the turbocharger. This removes the heat from the internal parts of the turbo and if you do not allow the engine to idle before turning it of, then the next time you start your car the internals of the turbo can be dry. This can cause accelerated wear and tear on the internal components of your turbocharger.
7: Improper Oil Weight:
Similar to the engine, a turbocharger has a particular type of oil that needs to be used for maximum performance. If the oil you use is too thin for the temperatures of the turbo, then it can result in the turbo blowing the oil out. Make sure you know the type of oil best suited for your vehicle or take it to an auto mechanic that you can trust.
8:Contaminants in the Oil:
The least likely cause is also the most severe because any contamination in the oil can quickly destroy your turbocharger. Whether it is debris from a blown engine, sand blast media, or anything that fell into the oil pan, it can have disastrous effects on the vehicle. This is a worst-case scenario because it will often require the engine to be rebuilt and flushed and should debris get trapped in the oil journal, it will never leave/be cleaned regardless of how much you change the oil.