When a turbo breaks, the oil seals on the rotor shaft are frequently the first to fail. This draws engine oil into the inlet tract, allowing the engine to run on its own oil.
How can I make my diesel turbo last longer?
Any automobile owner understands the importance of engine oil in maintaining the vehicle’s integrity. Turbos are no exception. The engine is made up of several parts that work together to propel the vehicle at high speeds. In forced induction, the engine block and turbocharger process heat and pressure to maintain a consistent flow across the turbine fan. To ensure that these parts are well lubricated throughout the engine block, use high-quality synthetic engine oil. Your turbocharger will eventually require engine oil. Check to see if yours has a built-in oil reservoir for circulating oil throughout the gadget. Otherwise, use high-quality synthetic oil and change it every 5,000 miles or according to your owner’s manual’s recommendations.
How many miles do turbo engines last?
Large heavy-duty turbo diesel engines are expected to last 500,000 miles or more on average. Turbo engines are often stronger than naturally aspirated engines, therefore if properly maintained, they will last a long time.
How often should a turbo be replaced?
Between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, most turbochargers need to be replaced. If you take good care of your automobile and receive regular oil changes, your turbocharger could last even longer.
How do I know if my turbo needs replacing?
A turbocharger, commonly known as a turbo, is a sophisticated device that increases the power of an engine. Many automobile manufacturers now use turbos to give the same power seen in larger, more powerful cars while allowing consumers to enjoy the financial and environmental benefits that come with having a smaller engine, thanks to the implementation of UK emissions rules.
Turbos, despite being meant to last as long as the car, are susceptible to deterioration over time. Find out what causes turbo failure and what you can do about it in the sections below.
How does a turbo work?
Your engine generates power by combining fuel and air. Adding extra air to your engine is one of the simplest methods to boost its power while keeping your operating expenses low. Your turbo does this by spinning an air pump with the exhaust. This air pump forces more air into your engine’s cylinders, resulting in a significant increase in horsepower.
What causes turbo damage
- Engine oil is required for the effective operation of your turbo. A lack of oil, the incorrect grade of oil, or poor quality oil will cause carbon deposits and impurities to build up in the engine, causing abrasive damage to the turbo. To prevent this buildup, we recommend using a high-quality, 100% synthetic oil.
- The age and mileage of the vehicle. Although turbos are built to last the life of the vehicle, they do have the potential to wear down over time. This could be due to the quality of the turbo that was initially installed, or it could be due to how hard you drive the car.
- Seals that are cracked or worn out. Oil will seep into the exhaust system due to damaged seals between the compressor and the engine, forcing the turbo to work harder to increase air pressure.
What to do if you have a blown turbo
If you suspect you have a blown turbo, have it checked out by a trained technician as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more harm will be done, and the cost of repairing the problem will increase.
We provide a Diagnostic Check for £49.99 at Halfords Autocentres. To diagnose and advise on any necessary repairs, our ATA-trained specialists use state-of-the-art automotive diagnostic test equipment. If your turbo needs to be replaced, you will be given a detailed quotation before any extra work is done. After that, our crew will install the proper Original Equipment (OE) turbo for your car.
Can a turbo be repaired?
Yes! Almost all turbocharger problems may be fixed in the right hands. It’s more vital to figure out what’s wrong with the turbocharger and how to fix it. Here are a handful of important repair recommendations to keep in mind when diagnosing turbocharger issues.
Can you still drive a car if the turbo goes out?
You will almost certainly suffer a rapid reduction of power if the turbo fails. Smaller turbos, such as the 91-94 Mercury Capri XR2, will still allow you to drive, albeit extremely slowly and miserably. In this state, some people have driven up to 25 miles. Because of the broken seals, such a drive will take more than a quart of oil. You will also be covered in blue smoke and ashamed. The only time a small turbo, like the Capri’s, is triggered is when you need boost during particular sorts of acceleration; otherwise, the engine behaves like a non-turbo.
Do Turbos need maintenance?
Do turbocharged vehicles necessitate more frequent maintenance? It is dependent on the type of upkeep. Turbocharged engines will require more regular oil changes and new spark plugs, but in comparison to purely aspirated engines, turbocharged engines rarely require additional maintenance.
Some instances are as follows: Dodge recommends replacing the spark plugs in the turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine of the 2013 Dart every 30,000 miles, as opposed to every 100,000 miles for the 2.0- and 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engines. Dodge does not publish an oil-change schedule, instead advising owners to have their vehicles serviced based on an oil-change indicator system that tracks how many short trips you take, outdoor air temperatures, and other driving conditions.
Hyundai recommends changing the oil in the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe every 7,500 miles or once a year. Hyundai recommends changing the oil every 3,000 miles or six months on the turbocharged 2.0-liter, and then every 5,000 miles or six months after that. The turbo 2.0-liter engine also requires more frequent spark plug replacements: every 45,000 miles or three years vs 105,000 miles or seven years for the 2.4-liter.
These are the sole distinctions between Dodge and Hyundai’s turbocharged engines in terms of turbo maintenance. Although turbocharged cars may have more stringent requirements, such as more regular transmission fluid changes, the main difference may be in how they are driven. Owners who can’t stop themselves from using the extra horsepower may end up with repair troubles in the future. Regularly flooring the throttle puts extra strain on the engine, transmission, tires, suspension, and, eventually, the brakes.
Installing an aftermarket turbo kit on your automobile is also a possibility, especially for individuals who are more concerned with performance than with fuel economy. It’s worth noting that many turbo kits will void your vehicle’s warranty, so keep that in mind before buying and installing one.
Turbo kits and other high-performance improvements frequently necessitate upgrades to other sections of the car, such as the intercooler and exhaust. These will definitely increase the expense of the upgrade, both in terms of components and labor if the installation is handled by specialists. Make careful you stick to any maintenance schedules suggested by the new turbocharger or other added parts.
