5 Things You Should To Know About Turbo Failures

What is a Turbocharger?

In an turbochargered engine, a turbocharger (also known as a turbo) is a forced induction device that is powered by the flow of exhaust gases. In order to produce more power for a given displacement, it uses this energy to compress the intake air and force more air into the engine.

How does turbocharger work?

Turbochargers work by using exhaust gases to spin a turbine connected to a compressor. The compressor then pressurizes and delivers more air into the engine, allowing for greater power output through improved combustion.

What causes turbocharger failures?

Oil starvation:

Insufficient lubrication oil supply to the turbocharger can lead to bearing and blade damage due to friction.

Oil contamination:

Contaminants such as impurities, moisture, or chemicals in the lubrication oil can accelerate turbocharger wear and damage.

Foreign objects:

External debris such as sand, dust, or fragments may enter the turbocharger, causing blade or bearing damage.

Wear and tear:

Prolonged usage can gradually wear down various components of the turbocharger, such as bearings, blades, and seals, eventually leading to failure.

Over-speeding:

Turbochargers are designed with maximum speed limits. If the engine operates beyond these limits, the turbocharger may become overloaded, damaging its internal components.

Damaged seals:

Seals play a crucial role in preventing oil leaks and external contaminants from entering the turbocharger. If seals are damaged or aged, turbocharger failure may occur.

What are the symptoms of turbocharger failures?

Loss of power:

Engine losing power is one of the most common symptoms of turbocharger failure. Due to the turbocharger’s inability to provide the expected boost, engine performance decreases, and acceleration response worsens.

Smokey exhaust:

Turbocharger failure may lead to the emission of smokey exhaust from the engine, characterized by black or blue smoke from the exhaust pipe, which may be due to incomplete combustion or oil entering the combustion chamber.

Burning oil:

If the turbocharger seals fail or bearings are damaged, oil may enter the turbocharger’s intake or exhaust side, resulting in burning oil and smoke production, which may also lead to increased engine oil consumption.

Whining turbo:

Damage to internal components or bearing issues in the turbocharger may result in a whining noise, caused by friction between the turbo rotor and bearings.

Check Engine Light:

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) may detect turbocharger failure and alert the driver by illuminating the vehicle’s Check Engine Light.

Boost gauge:

The working pressure of the turbocharger is typically displayed by a boost gauge. If there is an issue with the turbocharger, it may cause unstable or lower-than-normal pressure readings on the boost gauge.

What should you do when turbocharger failures?

Seek assistance:

Contact roadside assistance or a towing service to transport the vehicle to a qualified repair shop or maintenance facility. Attempting to drive a vehicle with a faulty turbocharger can pose risks and may lead to further damage.

Conduct inspection: 

Once the vehicle reaches the repair facility, have a qualified technician inspect the turbocharger and assess the extent of the damage. Technician will give you plans to solve the problem.

Choose Repair Plan:

 Depending on the severity of the turbocharger failure, repairs may range from minor fixes to complete replacement of turbocharger components. Follow the technician’s advice to ensure proper resolution of the issue and ensure safe driving of the vehicle.

Regular maintenance: 

After turbocharger repair or replacement, it’s important to adhere to the maintenance schedule recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Regular turbo inspections can help prevent future turbocharger failures and prolong the engine’s lifespan.

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