When we want an added burst of speed when driving, we attach turbochargers to the engine to improve performance. These modifications involve many working parts, including an actuator, turbine, and oil. When the oil begins to leak, the turbo will show signs that should not be ignored. Keeping an eye out for these essential signs will help you determine when you need to fix the problem.
How Could Oil Leak From the Turbo?
Different factors may cause a turbo to crack and leak oil. Pressure is the common cause of a leak and is caused by excess oil in the oil feed line or the oil return line. If either of these lines is too small, there will be too much oil flowing through them. One of them may crack, and oil will leak through while your car is running, leading to multiple engine issues.
Diminishing Performance
As the many parts of the turbo spin, they need a quality oil supply to reduce wear and tear and continue their pace. A sudden or gradual decrease in performance indicates that your turbo may have an oil leakage.
Without enough oil, the moving parts within the turbo won't have as much mobility and won't be able to keep up with the input or output of power that it normally supplies. In this case, the vehicle will begin to decrease in top speeds and will take longer to accelerate.
Misfiring
When a vehicle misfires, low oil is a common cause. When your oil is low in your turbocharger, it may be a sign of oil leakage in the turbo. This decrease in oil has made it difficult for the turbo to produce enough pressure for fuel combustion and has caused a sudden lapse in the vehicle's power. If you notice your vehicle misfiring often, you should take it to a mechanic to examine the engine and the turbo for potential oil leakage and consider finding a new turbo for sale.
Smoke From the Engine
If you notice smoke from the engine, turn off the vehicle immediately and check under the hood. The smoke color you see will indicate where the problem originates in the turbocharger. Blue smoke will come from the combustion chamber as a result of the oil leaking from the turbo and becoming burned from the combustion. Meanwhile, black smoke is due to a lack of air in the compressor.
Knowing these signs of oil leakage will help you handle your turbo problems before they have a chance to get worse. The oil is an important part of the turbo, and you should always have the best knowledge to ensure the turbo has a steady supply.