Parts of a turbo

Types of turbo parts

Parts of a turbo are also called turbo components. They come in different types, each designed to perform a specific function in the forced induction system. The main types of turbo parts are as follows.

• Turbine and turbine housing

  The first component is known as the turbine. The turbine side of the turbocharger uses exhaust gases from the engine to spin the turbine. This helps in extracting energy from the exhaust gases. Spinning the turbine activates the compressor side of the turbo and forces air into the engine. The turbine is connected to the rest of the turbo by a shaft. The turbine housing surrounds the turbine and channels the exhaust gases to it.

• Compressor and compressor housing

  The other part of the turbocharger is the compressor. The role of the compressor is to draw in ambient air and push it into the engine. It is also connected to the turbine by the shaft and spins in sync with it. The compressor housing encloses the compressor and channels the pressurized air to the intake.

• Shaft

  The shaft connects the turbine and compressor. It transfers the energy from the exhaust gases that spin the turbine to the compressor, which spins to compress the intake air. The shaft is designed to be strong and precise to ensure both the turbine and compressor spin at the same speed.

• Bearing and bearing housing

  The bearings are located between the shaft and the turbo housing. They allow the shaft to spin smoothly and reduce friction. The bearings also support the shaft and help it stay in place. Bearing housings are used to attach the bearings to the turbo.

• Actuator and wastegate

  The wastegate is a valve that controls the amount of exhaust going to the turbine. It regulates the boost pressure from the turbo. An actuator controls the wastegate valve, opening and closing it in response to boost pressure.

• Oil inlet and outlet

  These parts of the turbo are responsible for lubrication. The oil inlet supplies oil to the bearings from the engine's lubrication system. The oil outlet carries the used oil from the bearings and returns it to the sump.

• Turbo housing

  The turbine and compressor are enclosed in the turbo housing. The housing contains the turbine and compressor wheels and channels airflow in and out of these components.

Specification and maintenance of parts of a turbo

A turbocharger is a part of an engine that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine and draw in more air. With more air, the engine can burn more fuel and create more power. The turbo consists of several parts, each with its specifications. The following is a breakdown of specifications and maintenance of parts of a turbo.

• Turbocharger:

  It is the heart of the system and is made of super alloys like Inconel and titanium. The former is more common because it can withstand high temperatures. Turbochargers are also lightweight to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle. They have cooling requirements depending on the model, as cooling helps improve their efficiency and performance. They also have pressure ratios, which is the difference between the pressure of the air entering the engine and that of the air leaving the engine. The pressure ratio is between 1.5 and 3.5, depending on the make and model.

• Compressor wheel:

  The compressor wheel draws in air and compresses it before sending it to the engine. It is a critical part of the turbo, as its design determines the amount of air the turbo can compress. The compressor wheel is made from aluminum and titanium. Aluminum is used more often because it is lightweight and has excellent corrosion resistance. The compressor wheel's diameter is between 30 and 100 millimeters, depending on the make and model of the turbo. A larger wheel will move more air, improving the engine's performance. However, it will also increase the turbo lag.

• Turbine wheel:

  The turbine wheel is turned by the exhaust gases and spins the shaft connecting it to the compressor. Like the compressor wheel, the turbine wheel is critical to the turbo's performance and efficiency. It is made from super alloys like Inconel and titanium, which are corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. The turbine wheel's diameter is between 30 and 100 millimeters, depending on the design and manufacturer of the turbo.

• Wastegate:

  A wastegate regulates the pressure in the turbine by controlling the flow of exhaust gases. It is also made of super alloys like Inconel and titanium, which can withstand high temperatures. The wastegate is critical to the turbo, as it ensures it does not overboost. There are two types of wastegates, internal and external. Internal wastegates are more common and cheaper. They are located inside the turbocharger. External wastegates are more expensive and are located outside the turbocharger.

• Actuator:

  The actuator controls the wastegate and is connected to the wastegate by a rod. Depending on the type of wastegate, the actuator can be inside or outside the wastegate. It is critical to the wastegate's operation, as it opens and closes the wastegate. The actuator is typically made from aluminum or plastic and has a pressure rating of 1-2 bars, depending on the make and model.

• Oil supply line:

  The oil supply line transfers oil from the engine to the turbo. It is made from high-strength steel and aluminum. The oil supply line has an operating pressure of 2-5 bars, depending on the make and model of the turbo. Some turbocharged engines have oil supply lines with cooling features, as cooling helps improve the efficiency of the turbo.

• Cooling system:

  The cooling system cools the oil in the turbo before returning it to the engine. It is made of aluminum and high-strength steel. The cooling system has a flow rate of 5-10 liters per minute and an operating temperature of 80-100 degrees Celsius. It ensures the turbo operates within the optimal temperature range, improving its efficiency and performance.

Now that the specifications are clear, how does one maintain them? The parts of a turbo need regular checks to ensure they are in good condition and function as required. Here are some maintenance tips:

• 1. Inspect oil supply lines: Oil supply lines transport oil to and from the engine. Inspecting the oil supply lines for leaks and damage is important, as a single leak or damage can affect the entire system. The check should be done regularly, preferably every month.
• 2. Check for unusual noises: Noise is a common sign of wear or damage in any part of the turbo. The noise may indicate a problem with the compressor or turbine wheels. For instance, a grinding noise could indicate a problem with the bearings, while a rattling noise could indicate a loose component or damage. The noise levels should be checked every week.
• 3. Feel for vibrations: A vibrating turbo is a sign of a problem, be it a loose component, a damaged wheel, or an imbalance in the system. The turbo's vibrations should be checked daily.
• 4. Monitor boost pressure: The boost pressure should be checked using a boost gauge. If the pressure is lower than normal, there could be a problem with the compressor or a leak in the intercooler. A higher boost pressure than normal indicates a problem with the wastegate or actuator.
• 5. Regular engine oil changes: Engine oil is important to the turbocharger, just like any other component in the vehicle. The oil keeps all moving parts lubricated, reducing friction and wear and tear. However, dirty oil can clog the oil passages, restricting oil flow to the turbo and increasing the risk of damage through overheating. Changing the engine oil regularly keeps it clean and helps the turbo last longer. The oil change should be done every 5,000 miles or after the manufacturer's recommendations.

How to Choose Parts of a Turbo

Choosing the right turbocharger for a specific vehicle requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Here are some key points to keep in mind when selecting a turbocharged engine:

• Engine Size and Type: The engine's displacement and configuration (inline, V-type, or flat) impact turbo selection. Larger engines can handle more power from a turbo, while smaller ones require a turbo that provides adequate boost without lag.
• Driving Needs: Consider driving habits and needs. A turbo for high-end performance is suitable for sports driving, while a moderate turbo works for daily commuting and occasional highway driving.
• Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles may need a more robust turbo to provide adequate power delivery, while lighter vehicles can perform well with a smaller turbocharger.
• Fuel Type: Turbos designed for gasoline or diesel engines vary. High-octane fuels allow for more aggressive tuning and higher boost levels, while lower-grade fuels require a more conservative approach to turbo selection.
• Altitude and Climate: Operating conditions affect turbo performance. At high altitudes, where air density is lower, a turbo is necessary to compensate for the reduced oxygen available in the intake air. Similarly, in hot climates, a turbo with an intercooler is crucial to cooling the intake air and preventing heat soak.
• Budget: Turbochargers range in price from affordable to high-end. Determine a budget but remember that a quality turbo may come with a higher initial cost but can provide long-term benefits in performance and fuel efficiency.

By considering these factors, one can select a turbo that aligns with the vehicle's characteristics and personal preferences, resulting in a well-balanced and satisfying driving experience.

How to DIY and Replace Parts of a Turbo

Replacing a turbo can be a complex process, but it is doable with the right tools and knowledge. To make this easier, here is a step-by-step guide on how to replace a turbo. Before that, here are some tools needed to replace parts of a turbo.

• A socket set
• A wrench set
• Torques set
• Ratchet extension
• Oil catch pan
• New turbocharger
• New gasket and bolts

Now, follow the steps below to get a turbo replaced:

• Locate the turbo: The first step is to locate the turbo. This is easy as the turbo is usually found in the exhaust system near the engine.
• Disconnect the battery: Once the turbo is located, the next step is to disconnect the battery. This step is very important as it prevents any electrical issues from occurring during the replacement process.
• Drain the oil and coolant: After disconnecting the battery, the next step is to drain the oil and coolant. This is done by locating the oil and coolant lines connected to the turbo and disconnecting them.
• Remove the exhaust downpipe: The next step is to remove the exhaust downpipe connected to the turbo using a socket set.
• Remove the intake pipe: After removing the exhaust downpipe, the next step is to remove the intake pipe. This is done by using a wrench set to remove the intake pipe connected to the turbo.
• Remove the old turbo: Once the intake pipe is removed, begin removing the old turbo. This is done by using a socket set to remove the bolts holding the turbo in place and disconnecting the wastegate actuator and oil lines.
• Install the new turbo: The final step is to install a new turbo. To do this, simply reverse the steps above and ensure all bolts are tightened and connections are secure.

Q&A

Q1: How long do turbos last?

A1: Turbochargers can last for 100,000 to 200,000 miles, but they need to be properly maintained.

Q2: Can a turbo be reused?

A2: Yes, a turbo can be reused if it is in good condition. However, it is advisable to replace the turbo with a new one for better performance.

Q3: How much time does turbo replacement take?

A3: Turbo replacement can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, depending on the vehicle's make and model.