Using a turbo will improve your engine and give your vehicle excellent performance. However, a turbo can fail and damage the engine if the problem isn’t addressed. There are a few main causes of engine failure; if you want to understand them to keep your turbo functioning, read for more details.
Oil Deprivation
A turbo has numerous moving parts that require oil to maintain them. Oil lubricates the metals of the bearings in between the turbine and compressor wheel.
As the shaft connecting both wheels spins, the bearings keep it in place, and a film of oil will prevent scraping between them. Without proper lubrication, the contact between metals will damage the turbo’s system. The shaft is an integral part of the turbo, and if it becomes obsolete, the turbo will eventually fail.
Oil deprivation is one of the main causes of turbo failure, so it’s vital to keep the oil filled. Change your engine’s oil every 5,000 miles to keep the amount of oil in the turbo consistent and prevent turbo failure.
Oil Contamination
Filling the engine’s oil reserves will require a clean source of oil without contaminants. Contaminated oil is a primary cause of turbo failure and will slowly wear down your shaft and bearings.
Similar to the effects of oil deprivation, contaminants in the oil, such as metal bits or dirt, may scrape against the metal and cause it to degrade prematurely. Make sure your oil is clean and fresh. Don’t use old oil or keep the oil in your car for too long, as oxidation will occur during changes in the weather. The oil will thicken, create dirt deposits, and accelerate the degradation of parts as it continues to oxidize with weather changes.
Foreign Objects in the Interior
Sometimes, a small foreign object makes its way into the turbo, such as from the engine. These foreign objects may include metal, scraps of leaves, or small chunks of dirt. Filters will normally keep these objects out, but you must replace them consistently to ensure they still do their job.
A previous turbocharger may have left a small shard of metal in the turbo’s system, which may lodge itself into the wheels of the turbo and cause a malfunction. Debris in the wheels is especially dangerous in turbos such as holset turbos, which gain their great performance from the turbine’s efficiency. Replace your filters every second oil change and patch any cracks in hoses or tubes.
Turbos, like any technology, have a chance of failing, especially from the causes listed above. Ensure your turbo does not fail by keeping your oil clean and full while preventing objects from entering. If your turbo does fail, the experts at TurboTurbos will help you fix it or supply great options, such as holset turbos for sale, for an improved turbo that your vehicle needs.