It’s never a fun experience when your turbocharger doesn’t emit power as it should or when it starts to make odd noises during your drive. This could be a result of your turbocharger running into some trouble. So, what steps can you take, and what are some options to remedy the problem? Here are a few turbocharger troubleshooting tips you need to know, so your turbocharger can run like a dream again.
Causes of Turbocharger Malfunctions
A turbocharger troubleshooting tip you need to know is learning about the causes of turbocharger malfunctions. Symptoms of a turbo malfunction come down to either a loss of power, high fuel consumption, excessive smoke production, oil leaks, or high exhaust temperatures. A vital tip to remember is that turbo performance can become impaired through blockage caused by debris or a mechanical issue.
Perform a Visual Inspection
When you notice a few issues occurring with your turbocharger, you want to make sure there are visual signs of harm. Take a quick sweep of your turbocharger for any abnormalities—nicks, dents, corrosion, and any other signs of physical damage.
Unfortunately, the visual signs of damage aren’t repairable, so a replacement might have to be your next option. Additionally, ensure that there’s no contact between the respective housing and wheels. You can check by sticking your finger into the oil outlet port and feeling for sludge. Sludge is a sign of oil flow hindrance, leading to oil leakages.
Radial and Axial Bearing Clearance Check
Once you check for physical damages, perform a radial and axial bearing clearance check. If there is excessive clearance, it’s a sign of excessive bearing wear. If it has a tight clearance, there is potential coking buildup. Turbochargers have specific clearances to operate optimally, so if there is excessive or little clearance, it can lead to problems.
Common Trouble Codes
Two standard trouble codes, P0299 and P0234, can occur for your turbocharger. A P0299 code means underboosting, a wastegate stuck in the open position, or a leak between the throttle and compressor. The P0234 code means overboosting, which means either the wastegate is stuck in the open position, a wastegate vent solenoid is stuck in the vent position or leaking disconnected control hoses.
Choosing the Right Replacement
When your turbocharger begins to act out of the ordinary, it’s time to consider repair or replacement. We at TurboTurbos provide turbochargers for sale at affordable prices, and repair kits and parts you need to keep your turbo running. If you have any questions regarding our turbochargers or the company, please reach out to us today.