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Modern turbochargers are tough nuts to crack and are much more improved than their predecessors. They can generate an extreme source of power that packs a punch when you step on the accelerator. Your diesel engine truck won’t have the same kick without a turbocharger. Besides, who doesn’t like hearing that whistle when you roll down the window and power through?

Although these components are improved to be more durable and friendly towards consumer cars, they are not invincible. Some people may blow through their turbochargers without knowing that they are not paying attention to some important things. If you want your power snail to keep running at optimal health, here are a few ways you may be killing your turbo and how you can avoid them:

You May Have Seal Leaks

Modern turbos use dynamic seals that keep the oil that is supplied to the center section from entering the intake or exhaust sides of the unit. Cranking up the horsepower without doing the proper upgrades can cause operational wear on these seals and lead to oil leaks due to the extreme pressure. 

The solution to this is to invest in a better crankcase ventilation system, as well as a dry-sump oiling system. If your turbo is old, perhaps you can even consider upgrading the entire turbocharger unit to suit the horsepower needs of your diesel engine. 

Failures In The Thrust Bearing

Located near the compressor wheel, the thrust bearing is there to limit end play and rides on a thin film of oil between it and the shaft. The important thing is that the bearing does not come into contact with the shaft, as this will cause a bearing failure. Once this component is gone, wheel-to-housing contact will occur and destroy the turbo. 

Instead of a 270-degree bearing, add a 360-degree one that provides a full circle of lubrication around the shaft, reducing the risk of failures. Purchase this when you are purchasing a new unit so that the lifespan of the turbocharger is longer. 

Surging

Turbos are supposed to make a whistling sound, but once they start to bark or chirp, this is a bad sign for it. Compressor surge occurs when air intake is reverted back out of the compressor and is mostly experienced when an elevated boost is produced and cut off. That noise you will hear will be compressed air trapped in the intake and has no place to go except back into the turbo, causing damages due to pressure.

Prolonged surging will bring the thrust bearing to death, in which violent surging can blow the compressor wheel up. Blow-off valves are commonly used when there are high-surges from stronger engines. The trick to preventing surging is to source a properly sized turbocharger and purchasing boost gauges for your engine and stay at the proper RPMs and surge lines. 

Overheating

Anything that is heated to the extreme will likely die, and this is true in the case of car components. Turbochargers are subject to constant spinning inside the case, and this causes kinetic energy to generate heat. If the heat reaches above 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, the turbo will likely develop cracks on the body, damaged edges of the inlet volutes, and deformation of the wheel blades on the turbine.

Overheating is normally caused by a restricted exhaust system, cracks in the intercooler, or even a clogged air filter. The solution is to purchase a set of gauges that keep an eye on exhaust gas temperatures and monitor the way you step on the gas. 

Conclusion

Turbochargers are hardy devices that give your car additional power. They are not invincible, and not making the right upgrades or driving irresponsibly and recklessly can damage these. The last thing you want is a turbo to burst in your engine bay, so make sure you make necessary upgrades when bumping up the horsepower to prevent turbocharger damage.

US Diesel Parts is your premium dealer for upgrade parts for diesel engines and your diesel truck. If you plan to build your dream rig that is powerful and different from the competition, make your next move with US Diesel Parts.