BEFORE YOU FIT A NEW TURBO, FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED THE FIRST UNIT TO FAIL OR RISK THE REPLACEMENT FAILING TOO.
Less than 1% of turbo’s fail due to a manufacturing fault; 95% of turbo failures are because of problems with oil starvation, oil contamination or foreign object damage.
Turbochargers can spin at over 240,000 rpm and endure temperatures of 950 degrees Celsius; the turbo relies on the thin film of oil that lubricates the bearings on the turbine shaft. This oil is kept in place by seals for the turbine and compressor ends of the bearing housing.
These seals are unlike conventional oil seals and are similar to piston rings, they need positive air pressure inside the compressor and turbine to keep oil lubricating the bearings and to prevent it seeping into the end housings. A restriction on the inlet side will create a vacuum that will pull oil past the seals at the compressor end housing, if the engine idles for long periods, the turbo will rotate at a very low speed with correspondingly low air pressure. The resulting vacuum will cause oil to seep into the turbine housing, either situation results in insufficient oil for the turbine bearings.
WHAT CAUSES LEAKS AT THE COMPRESSOR END?
1) Blocked or restricted air intake filter.
2) Blocked or restricted air intake pipe or hose.
3) Air leaks on intake hose or at the intercooler.
WHAT CAUSES LEAKS AT THE TURBINE END ?
1) Leaks in the exhaust system.
2) Leaks in the e.g.r system.
WHAT CAUSES LEAKS AT BOTH THE TURBINE AND COMPRESSOR END ?
1) Any restriction in the oil drain pipe from the turbo to engine.
2) Restriction in the engine breather.
3) Physical damage to the turbo’s rotating parts, and excessive bearing clearance.
4) Repeated hot engine shutdowns leading to carbon deposits in the centre housing.
5) Incorrect turbo fitted.
ADVICE
1) Ensure there are no blockages or restrictions in the air and oil systems.
2) Ensure there are no leaks in the exhaust system.
To discuss your turbo failure call us on 01253 933794 or go to our website www.turborepairs.com