How to Tell If Your Turbo Is Working Properly
Are you unsure if your turbo is working properly?
Maybe you've noticed smoke, loss of power or some other issues.
In this blog, we'll go over common turbo issues, how to tell if your turbo is having a problem, and what to do to resolve them.
Identifying Common Turbo Issues
If you find that your vehicle's power, acceleration and responsiveness are noticeably reduced, this could point to an issue with your turbo.
This loss of power is often most evident when you're trying to accelerate, especially on motorways at a higher speed, indicating a potential problem with your turbocharger system.
You may also hear unusual whining sounds similar to those of a dentist's drill when the turbo is engaged. This noise suggests that the compressor wheel might be damaged. Don't overlook this noise; it's crucial to have it checked immediately to avoid further damage.
Another clear sign of turbo trouble is excessive exhaust smoke, especially if it's blue or grey. This usually indicates oil leaking within the turbo system, often due to worn seals or cracks in the turbine housing. These leaks can cause serious engine damage if not dealt with swiftly.
Additionally, keep an eye on your dashboard. If the check engine light comes on, it could indicate a malfunction with the turbocharger. This alert, combined with a noticeable decrease in your vehicle's power during acceleration, should be promptly investigated by a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
How to Repair a Faulty Turbo
If your turbo has been diagnosed with a problem, you usually have two options:
- Repair or rebuild the turbo
- Replace it with another unit
Repair or Rebuild
Turbo rebuilding is usually the cheaper and better option as long as nothing serious has been damaged. Turbos that are worn or with leaking seals can typically be rebuilt, and will then last as long as a new turbo.
Replacement
If there is damage to the turbo, particularly the housing or other crucial components, rebuilding may not be possible. In this case, you'll need to replace the turbo with a new unit.
Steps for Turbo Maintenance
Properly maintaining your engine can extend the life of your turbo and prevent failures.
Regularly changing your oil and filter keeps your turbo well-lubricated and prevents carbon buildup. It's essential to maintain clean and high-quality oil flow to ensure your turbo remains in good condition.
Inspecting and cleaning your air filter regularly helps stop foreign objects and debris from entering the turbo, which could cause damage if they get sucked in.
Listen for any unusual sounds, such as whining or rattling, when the turbo is active. These noises can indicate internal problems that needs immediate attention.
Make it a routine to schedule regular professional diagnostics. This isn't just a precaution; it's an active measure to identify potential issues early.
Regular checks help ensure your engine and turbo are functioning optimally, addressing problems before they turn into major concerns.
New Vs Second Hand Turbo Replacement Options
After looking after your turbo, you may need to decide whether to replace it with a new one or refurbish the existing one. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider them carefully.
Choosing a new turbo brings the benefit of longer warranties, giving you peace of mind about its dependability and performance. However, this choice is usually more costly.
Alternatively, you could buy a second hand unit. This will be cheaper than a brand new turbo (usually by quite a bit), but typically you won't get any warranty and you can never be sure what condition it is in, and how soon it will fail.
If you are buying a second hand turbo, you should definitely get it rebuilt before installing it. This will ensure that it is in good condition and won't fail soon after installation, saving you the cost and hassle of having to replace it yet again.
Need a New Turbo For Your European Car?
As European car wreckers in Auckland, we have a wide range of second hand turbos for sale for a range of European cars. If you need a cost effective turbo replacement, speak to us today by calling (09) 829-2618 or emailing info@aawreckers.co.nz.