HOW A TURBOCHARGER WORKS

A turbocharger (or simply a turbo) completes combustion or explosion engines in order to improve their power. It is composed of a cylindrical turbine (compressor) with, in its center, a propeller or fins:

1. The engine emits exhaust gases,
2. Leaving the engine, these gases turn the propeller or the fins,
3. They activate the compressor,
4. The compressor draws in ambient air and compresses it,
5. The pressurized air cools as it passes through the cylinders,
6. Pressurized cylinders offer better efficiency and increase power while limiting mechanical losses.

THE PROS OF TURBOCHARGERS

The turbocharger can be used on both a passenger car and a racing vehicle. It is very useful for:

• Recovering the energy released by exhaust gases, intended for elimination in nature,
• Increasing the capacity of an engine without polluting,
• increasing the speed of a vehicle without using powerful engines: a technology in tune with the times,
• supporting high speeds,
• their ease to install: they’re compact and lightweight.

THE CONS OF TURBOCHARGERS

A turbocharger can cause a few problems:

• Exhaust gases are more difficult to evacuate,
• The balancing of the fins must be adjusted to the millimeter, otherwise acceleration can be dangerous at high speed.

You should also know that the turbocharger:

• Takes a few seconds to start,
• Requires regular maintenance.

IN CASE OF BREAKAGE...

If you suspect your vehicle has a turbo problem, wait before replacing it, as a damaged turbo is often a symptom of an underlying problem rather than the cause itself.

Lack of power, noisy performance, excessive smoke or high oil consumption may be caused by a malfunctioning fuel injection system, clogged or blocked air filters, exhaust system damaged or a lubrication problem.

Before replacing your turbo, review a comprehensive checklist for diagnostic purposes. If you don't discover any obvious cause, check that your turbo specialist carries out a full troubleshooting.

LIST OF CHECKS TO CARRY OUT IN CASE OF:

LACK OF POWER

• Check that the filter, hoses and ducts are clean and in good condition.
• Check that the fuel injection system is in good condition and properly adjusted.
• Check the exhaust system, including the catalyst and DPF, for blockages or damage.

NOISY PERFORMANCE

• Check that the pipework and support brackets are not loose or damaged and that connections are made correctly.
• Make sure the intercooler is free of leaks and cracks.

EXCESSIVE SMOKE OR HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION

• Check that air filters are not restricted or blocked.
• Check that engine oil specifications strictly correspond to car manufacturer's recommendations.
• Check that the oil drain pipe is clean and not restricted.
• Check for excessive pressure in engine crankcase and correct function of engine breather system.
• Check that hoses and joints are in good condition.
• Check for lubrication problems in engine block if oil or carbon deposits are found on exhaust manifolds or in the turbine.

THE MAIN CAUSES OF BREAKAGE:

FOREIGN OBJECTS

• Turbo wheel damage, caused by small objects entering the turbine or compressor housing at high speed, leading to imbalance.

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.

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.

OVERSPEED AND EXCESS TEMPERATURE

• Turbo damage caused by working beyond its designed parameters or outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification. Maintenance problems, engine malfunction or unauthorized performance upgrades can push turbo rotating speeds beyond its operating limits, causing fatigue failure of compressor and turbine wheels.