Modern turbochargers are true marvels of engineering. They can run at upwards of 280,000 RPM all while creating incredible amounts of power and torque! Diesel engines have always been known for their pulling power, and the addition of a turbo only ups their reputation.
Designers have put in countless hours and money designing the best and most reliable turbochargers out there. The test of time will eventually take a toll and when that time comes, DFI is ready to help get you back on the road.
This blog post is dedicated to helping you understand and diagnose some of the most common reasons why turbochargers fail and what you can do to prevent it from happening. No matter if your truck is new, or new to you, it’s never a bad time to start thinking about turbo maintenance.
Proper lubrication is critical for any moving parts, especially turbochargers. They are under constant extreme pressures, and if not provided with sufficient oil, it could spell disaster with a capital “D”. Even the slightest change could mean a hefty repair bill.
We’ve listed some of the most common issues of what could cause a problem with inadequate lubrication below!
Not all engine oil is made the same. Different engines, be it diesel or gasoline-powered, require different viscosities. Always use the recommendations that your OEM manufacturer requires to avoid possible issues later down the road.
Engine oil is supplied to the turbo via a hose. Over time, if not checked, the hoses can become either plugged or kinked. If this happens, the problem should be corrected immediately as permanent damage is just a matter of time.
Something as simple as a drop in temperature can cause major issues for your turbo. Cold weather can reduce the flow of oil getting to your turbocharger and its vital components due to an increase in viscosity. Be sure you use the right viscosity oil for your climate.
Oil Filters, much like the oil itself, should be replaced on a regular basis. Engine oil is used for both cooling and lubrication. Over time, the lubrication properties will break down and won’t be able to do their job properly. Change your oil on time to avoid any further complications.
Always check your oil, especially if you use your truck for work. Old-timers have this engraved in their minds, and there’s a good reason behind it. Low engine oil levels can result in your turbo not getting enough lubrication and cause it to fail prematurely.
Low oil pressure can happen due to several issues. Your diesel engine is designed to work within certain parameters and having low oil pressure could affect the overall performance and lifespan of your engine.
Poor lubrication can significantly reduce the lifespan of a turbocharger. Keep in mind that the reasons posted above are just some of the most common and not the only ones. Proper maintenance now can help reduce the potential for costly repairs in the future.
Having low oil levels is one thing, but contaminated oil is just as bad. As previously mentioned, turbochargers work with tolerances within thousands of an inch. Dirty or contaminated oil is just as bad as having no oil at all.
We’ve put some of the most common reasons as to why engine oil can become contaminated. Remember, they are not the only reasons, but rather the most common ones.
Something as small as a grain of salt can cause severe problems for an engine and/or turbocharger. Inspecting your oil after and filter after each change can help determine if anything out of the norm is going on. Under no circumstances can there be any metal in the oil. A metallic paint job is cool, but seeing metal shavings in the oil is not.
Regularly maintaining the engine is one of the best things that owners and fleets can do to help prolong the life of their vehicles. Changing the oil on time will help keep the turbocharger as well as the rest of the engine in great condition.
Water and oil don’t mix. On a molecular level, they are very different and both play a vital role in keeping an engine running great. Any signs of water or coolant in your engine’s oil should raise a red flag.
A chocolate milk-like substance will show up on your dipstick or oil filler cap. While it may look nice, it should cause concern. The engine should be turned off and the issue should be resolved immediately.
Dirt or debris can enter the system via a poor or “sloppy” install. Most mechanics will take great care in making sure the parts they install are clean and free of any grit or debris. However, mistakes do happen and in this case, they can be quite expensive.
Fuel should not, at any point be present in the crankcase or turbo. It will not only increase the overall pressure by having too much liquid but will dilute the oil as well. While diesel fuel does have some lubrication qualities, it is nowhere near as good as oil.
Contaminated oil brings with it its own set of unique problems. If you notice or think that your turbocharger is getting worn out by contaminated oil, the best thing to do is to replace it. While at it, change the oil and fuel filter.
Modern diesel engines have turbocharger systems that produce more power than ever. Unfortunately, that also means that they are more susceptible to problems than ever before. Any unusual sounds, loss of power, and/or vibrations should be thoroughly inspected to help prevent any further issues.
We, here at DFI, pride ourselves on being one of the premiere leaders in the diesel fuel injection industry. Our ASE-certified techs are happy to help answer any questions about your turbocharger and diesel engine in general.
You can reach out to us by phone at 1-855-212-3022 or request a quote online today!
