How to Diagnose a Failed Turbocharger

A turbocharger is a device designed to pump air into an engine using exhaust gas energy. The main parts of the turbocharger are the turbine and the centrifugal pump, which are connected by a common rigid axis. These elements rotate at a speed of about 100,000 rpm, powering the compressor.

The main difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger is its own power supply. The power supply supplies the energy that starts the compressor.

There is a belt in the supercharger that is mated to the engine. The device receives power in a similar way as a water pump or an alternator. An automobile turbocharger, on the contrary, is powered by a directional exhaust current.

The operation of the turbocharger is extremely simple. Exhaust gases passing into the turbine cause the rotor to rotate. The centrifugal compressor wheel is rigidly fixed to the rotor axis and rotates at the same speed. The more energy the exhaust gases have, the faster the turbine wheels and, accordingly, the compressors rotate. The more air is supplied to the cylinders, the more fuel can burn, the higher the power.

There are several of the most common signs of turbine failure. These include the following: the presence of extraneous noise from the turbine during operation of the power plant (whistle or hum); the appearance of bluish smoke from the exhaust system; oil consumption increases sharply; boost pressure drops. To identify breakdowns in the early stages, it is enough to listen carefully to your car. For example, the car's power has dropped or it has lost dynamics, which means that the turbine does not create enough pressure. Sometimes the reason for this is increased back pressure due to heavy contamination of the catalyst. Malfunctions of the electromagnetic valve (controlling the turbine vacuum) can also lead to this, which also leads to a decrease in engine power.

Turbocharger malfunctions: Reducing engine power Black smoke from the exhaust pipe Increased oil consumption Blue smoke from the exhaust pipe Turbocharger operation noise Incomplete combustion of fuel Oil leakage in the compressor Oil leak in the turbine.
A failure turbo car part can result in a scale of symptoms including loss of power, excessive exhaust smoke, loud whining noises, and the engine running irregularly.

A failed turbo can be provoked by various factors such as oil starvation, contaminated oil, worn bearings, or foreign object damage.
If a machine fails, it will need to be replaced or rebuilt in order for the motor to work correctly.
Routine service and following the production’s recommended service intervals can avoid turbocharger failures.

Diagnosing a potential turbocharger issue involves a thorough examination of the symptoms exhibited by the vehicle, as well as some mechanical inspection.

Here are some steps to diagnose a potential turbocharger problem:

• Check for loss of power: If the vehicle is experiencing a significant loss of power, it could be a sign of a failing turbocharger. Compare the vehicle's power output with its normal performance;

• Listen for unusual noises: A failing turbocharger might produce whining, grinding, or scraping noises, especially when the engine is under load or accelerating;

• Look for excessive exhaust smoke: A failing turbocharger can cause excessive exhaust smoke, which can be blue, black, or white, depending on the nature of the issue;

• Control for oil leaks: Turbochargers are lubricated by engine oil. Immoderate oil around machine housing or in the air intake system can be a mark of a problem;
• Examine the system visually: remove the intake pipe, damaged compressor or turbine blades.