The turbocharger is also known by the name turbo. It is the additional system used by car manufacturers to boost power. These are commonly used for delivering the same power in smaller and larger cars.
You will find that all manufacturers now offer the turbocharged model. What does it mean? It means that now they can provide the smaller engine the same power to increase fuel efficiency.
How Does the Turbo Work?
A car engine produces power that drives the wheel; it combines fuel and air. Turbo adds more mixture by using the exhaust to the air pump. Turbos run at high speeds that operate under pressure and temperature. Hence, the turbocharger will be paired with the cooling system to cool the oil and hot air.
TurboCharge Oil Leaks
The numerous factors cause Turbocharger Oil Leaks, the main factor being the compressor with incorrect pressure and turbine housings. So how do oil leaks affect? Oil leaks can cause catastrophic damage to the systems and occur within seconds of the turbocharger commencing operations.
Turbocharger, when installed correctly, should not leak oil. However, many reasons can cause oil leaks.
Preventing the Turbocharger oil leaks
For preventing oil leaks, you have to follow some preventive measures. Some of them are as follows.
- Ensure the air and oil drain system are clean from the blockage
- Check the exhaust system
- Make sure that there are no leakages
- Check the oil frequently, check for the leakage.
- Use the correct gaskets and o-rings
Turbo Engine Failure Symptoms
Turbo Engine Failure is a big issue and there are some common symptoms for it. There are many reasons you can look to find that if your turbocharger oil leak has blown:
- Power Loss
If you notice that your car is not working well and accelerating a bit slow, this might be why your car’s turbo is failing. Therefore, a turbocharged car that struggles with speed or can reach the speed it once may experience turbo failure soon.
- Exhaust Smoke
One of the symptoms of turbo failure is when the oil leaks into the system. As a result, it produces smoke as it burns off. It can be caused by a crack in turbo housing or damaged internal seals.
If the turbocharger causes it, you will see the discolor fumes. The turbocharger repair cost depends upon the damage.
- Check the Engine Light
The computer diagnostics on most modern cars sometimes suffer from turbo faults, and the check engine light will appear on the dashboard. It notifies the driver, and he will receive the update about the turbo engine. You will need a professional to get it diagnosed.
Common Causes of Turbo Engine Failure
Turbochargers oil leaks are reliable, and less than 1% of warranty inspections find fault with turbochargers. Here are common causes of turbo engine failure:
- Lubrication
Engine oils are essential for every car. It works to lubricate vital moving parts, protect them from corrosion and keep them cool while in use.
It needs a constant flow of clean, quality oil. Using the incorrect grade oil or poor quality oil will build up contaminants in the engine. In addition, it can cause abrasive damage to the inside of the turbocharger oil leaks.
- Oil Starvation
Oil Starvation means insufficient oil supply to the turbocharger, leading to immediate failure and damage. It can be caused by the blocked oil filter, oil feed pipe, and the engine not being used for months.
- Oil Leaks
Turbo relies on the positive air pressure for maintaining the oil lubrication of the bearing and turbine shaft. Therefore, restrictions at either compressor or turbine end can affect the air pressure, and that causes the oil leaks.
A common problem encountered with an operating turbocharger is the turbocharger oil leaks. When the turbochargers are installed correctly, then they won’t leak.
Can I Drive with a Bad Turbo?
The common question that blows in mind is Can I drive with a bad turbo? Is it safe to do so? Of course, the answer is yes. However, you should mark these points if you are driving with a bad turbo.
- It would help if you got it checked immediately and serviced with an expert whenever you know about the turbo.
- If you notice the slow acceleration, difficulty in reaching a certain speed, it is a vital sign of a bad turbo.
- The engine dashboard light might blink once you notice that the car suffers from the exhaust pipe. However, you should immediately contact the service center and stop driving it.
- Don’t forget to check the engine oil leaks or lack of lubrication due to the rattling sound of the engine.
Whenever you spot turbo failure symptoms, get your turbo checked by the technician. The longer you leave it, the more problems your car will face.
How Much Does TurboCharger Repair Cost?
The turbocharger repair costs unless the outer part is damaged in most cases. Since your car’s turbo is an essential part of it and it’s so challenging to replace the turbo. But putting a new turbo into the vehicle will cost you more.
While the exact cost of the Turbocharge replacement varies depending on the car’s model, the turbocharge repair cost will be around $2300 and $2900 on average for a new turbo installation.
Can You Replace a TurboCharger Yourself?
After experiencing the bad turbo, you might assume to get a new turbo and think of replacing it. But replacing a turbo is not at all an easy task. It will be difficult for you to diagnose a problem. So, it won’t be easy for you to replace a turbocharger yourself.
If you think that your vehicle is suffering from a turbo-related problem, contact the professionals who will help you to check all the systems before you replace the turbo.
