Introduction To Turbochargers
The turbocharger is the single most significant engine component or add-on device in the overall contribution to developing horsepower in the internal combustion engine. Like a supercharger, the purpose of a turbo is to increase the mass of air entering the engine to create more power. However, a turbo differs in that the compressor is powered by a gas turbine driven by the engine's own exhaust gases.
Understanding How A Turbo Works
We live in an atmosphere that, at sea level, contains approximately 15 (14.7) pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure. This means that an engine's ability to breath is limited by the vacuum or suction, created by the intake stroke of the engine's piston, fed by a maximum pressure of 15 pounds. So, even in the most perfect or miraculously efficient engine design, there can only be a maximum pressure differential between atmosphere and the intake valve of the engine, of about 15-PSI absolute pressure. Not to mention that since few of us live and drive on the beach, we have even less than 15 PSI to work with. This is because as you rise in altitude atmospheric pressure drops.
Now let's consider turbocharging. In the most basic of definitions a turbocharger is a device that drives more air into an engine such that the 15-PSI of absolute pressure is now boosted to something greater, and thus more air is forced into the engine's cylinders. Horsepower is only produced by the combustion of fuel. Therefore the more fuel that is burned the greater the horsepower produced. But the fuel can only be productively burned if it is burned in the engine's cylinders and there has to be enough air present to do this. When a turbocharger is applied to any engine the fuel delivery rate can be increased and more horsepower is developed. In many cases a turbocharger can deliver enough additional airflow such that the same size engine can easily produce 100% or more horsepower than in its 'naturally aspirated' or, non-turbo state of being.
Why Turbos Fail
Turbochargers "fail" for a number of reasons including foreign object damage, contaminated oil supply, restricted oil supply or issues related to the turbo oil drain system and/or the engine breather system. More specific reasons why your turbo may fail are; contaminated oil, dirty oil, lack of lubrication, low oil pressure, kinks in the oil inlet lines, clogs in the oil inlet line, plugged air cleaners, collapsing hose connections, undersized air pipes, prolonged engine idling, over-fueling, hot engine shut-down, improperly installed gaskets and nuts/washers dropped into exhaust system.
Preventing Turbocharger Failure
Taking preventative measures when using a turbocharging system can and will increase the life of any turbocharger (not to mention aide in keeping your engine safe from damage by a failing turbo). Keep in mind these steps when using a turbocharging system; keep clean oil in your engine (always a good idea for any engine, not just a turbocharged one), keep the air filter clean and unrestricted, the duct work from the air cleaner should be free of holes, the duct work connections should be tight to prevent leaks, warm up the engine for two to five minutes prior to throttling up and let engine idle for approximately 2 minutes prior to engine shut down.
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