Understanding Automotive Brake Parts and Services

A Quick Look At Common Turbocharger Problems And Their Likely Solutions

The idea of getting every last ounce of power out of every drop of burned fuel your engine uses is what the turbocharger is all about. This device uses components in the exhaust from already burned fuel to give a quick boost of power almost like the engine pistons. Therefore, if something goes wrong with the turbocharger in your engine, you will definitely notice a difference in how your vehicle runs. Thankfully, most turbocharger problems can easily be fixed with a little mechanical insight and knowledge. Here is a look at some of the most common problems with a turbocharger and their likely solutions to help you determine if you need turbocharger repair services.

Problem: The turbocharger is making more noise than usual. 

Solution: If your car's engine is equipped with a turbocharger, you can sometimes hear when it kicks in because of the air compression used in the cycling of fuel. However, if the turbocharging action becomes louder than usual, it does point to a problem. Most of the time a problem with excessive noise only means there is an obstruction in the air lines leading into the turbocharger, so fixing the problem is as simple as unclamping the hoses leading in and cleaning them out. 

Problem: There are oil deposits around the turbocharger. 

Solution: Excess oil just about anywhere on your motor is a sign that something is wrong, and with a turbocharger, it is no different. If you spot oil stains around the turbocharger, it means that the oil level in the crankcase is too high. This can happen as the viscosity of old oil changes, but is most often relative to overfilling of the oil reservoir, which will have a direct effect on the turbocharger itself. Check to ensure your engine has good clean oil and it is at the proper fill range. 

Problem: The turbocharger doesn't seem to be kicking on at all. 

Solution: The turbocharger should last just about the lifetime of your car and is rarely something that has to be replaced. If it stops working altogether, there is a better chance that it is one of the smaller operational components around the turbocharger than the turbocharger itself. Primarily the culprit is the spring that is connected to the boost controller on the turbocharger. This compression spring wears down with age and can need replacing. Track down the boost controller spring n your turbocharger to make sure it is in good condition. If it is not, this will need to be replaced before the turbocharger will function properly. 


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