Your diesel engine’s performance relies on your turbocharger’s efficiency. Proper turbocharger maintenance can significantly extend your turbo’s life, improving fuel efficiency and preventing costly repairs.
Discover some of the best diesel turbo care tips and learn how to perform effective turbo maintenance on diesel engines. Learn more about actionable steps for upkeep, the most common problems you might encounter, and what products can support your turbocharger’s longevity.
Understanding Diesel Turbochargers
Your turbocharger is a meeting point for boost, airflow and torque. When met with exhaust gases that would otherwise be wasted, your turbocharger spins a turbine with this exhaust, which then drives a compressor and provides more power to the engine.
The compressor packs more air into the engine, increasing boost, expanding airflow and adding combustion efficiency. This extra power is also critical for additional horsepower and torque.
Key Components of a Diesel Turbo
Key components of a diesel turbocharger include:
- Turbine
- Compressor
- Bearing system
- Intercooler connections
- Oil channels
These components work together to deliver unmatched torque, boost and airflow to your engine — utilizing exhaust gases that would have otherwise gone to waste. Keep in mind that the oil lubrication channels are essential for the turbo’s function and need clean oil for the best performance.
Why Diesel Turbo Maintenance Matters
When your turbo fails, your vehicle will feel it.
It’s critical to prioritize turbo maintenance for diesels to prolong diesel turbo life and prevent costly repairs in the long run. Failure to maintain your turbo could result in reduced performance, smoke and even engine damage.
Common Turbocharger Problems in Diesel Engines
These lists cover some of the issues turbochargers encounter most frequently.
Oil-Related Issues
If your engine has oil-related issues or malfunctions, they could stem from cold weather or contaminated oil. These issues can include:
- Insufficient lubrication
- Dirty or contaminated oil
- Oil leaking into the exhaust
Mechanical Failures
Another common cause of turbocharger issues is mechanical failures, particularly due to engine components or internal parts. They can lead to:
- Worn or damaged turbo blades
- Shaft play or bearing failure
- Waste gate and actuator issues
Environmental and Operating Causes
It is also possible for your turbocharger to fail due to environmental or operational factors. For example, your diesel engine may start to struggle from:
- Overheating due to excessive load
- Improper shutdown
- Debris ingestion and damage
- Poor air filtration
- Internal exhaust system issues
Routine Turbocharger Maintenance Steps
Fortunately, you can prevent many of these issues with proper maintenance. Keeping your turbocharger running smoothly is simple — you just need to know the correct steps.
Oil and Lubrication Care
It’s critical that you only use manufacturer-recommended diesel oil, maintain proper oil change intervals as suggested by a professional and use verified oil additives. At Hot Shot’s Secret, we offer a range of verified oil additives that can help protect turbo bearings and prolong the life of your turbocharger.
Air Intake System Maintenance
Your turbocharger runs on exhaust gases and air intake, so it is a good idea to ensure the air intake system is running as it should be. Regularly inspect and replace air filters where needed, check for leaks in the intercooler and try to prevent dust and debris from entering the turbo system.
Cooling System Checks
Another factor to consider is the power and residual heat that your turbo produces. This intense power requires efficient cooling system checks to stay powered up. Ensure your coolant levels are correct, inspect hoses and radiator function, and regularly check the intercooler for clogs or filtration issues.
Exhaust and Backpressure Monitoring
A turbocharger produces a significant amount of pressure, particularly before the exhaust moves through to the compressor. It is essential to prevent excessive backpressure wherever you can, especially by checking the EGR and DPF systems for blockages that could stress the turbo if left for a long period of time.
Safe Engine Operation Practices
Even more important than all the previous tips, practicing safe engine operation is at the top of the list. You should get into the habit of:
- Allowing for proper cooldown before shutdown.
- Maintaining steady driving habits.
- Avoiding high-RPM load before cold starts.
Changing the way you drive to care for your engine can help prevent heat soak, reduce turbo stress, and ensure your diesel engine and turbocharger are working together in harmony without issues.
Signs Your Diesel Turbo Needs Attention
Various issues can indicate a problem with your turbocharger.
Performance Symptoms
There are a few telltale signs that your diesel turbocharger needs significant attention, especially when it comes to diesel engine performance:
- A loss of power
- Significant reduction in boost
- Strange smells
- Black, blue or white smoke
Mechanical Signs
The other clue that something is awry with your turbocharger shows up with mechanical issues. These problems can be a bit trickier to spot, but if you are keeping an eye on your vehicle, you should notice them fairly easily:
- Whistling or whining sounds
- Excessive shaft play
- Oil leaks (turbo or intercooler)
Dashboard and Engine Alerts
Of course, you can also regularly check in with your dashboard and internal warning lights to see if anything has been flagged. However, you should always make sure to perform physical checks yourself, as warning lights can sometimes be faulty.
You may notice an illuminated check engine light related to boost or exhaust, or EGR and DPF warnings alerting to turbo function.
FAQs About Diesel Turbocharger Maintenance
If you have questions about maintaining your turbocharger, the experts at Hot Shot’s Secret have answers.
How often should I check or service my turbo?
You should check your turbo regularly. A good schedule would be to check your turbo at every scheduled oil change, to ensure that no changes have occurred to its performance.
Can I clean the turbo without removing it from the engine?
Yes, with limitations. You can clean the turbo without removing it from the engine by utilizing the correct cleaning solvents and maintaining a clean internal system with Hot Shot’s Secret products and additives. Stiction Eliminator is an effective oil treatment formulated to remove buildup due to burnt oil, lubricate system components and prevent excessive wear.
What’s the lifespan of a typical diesel turbo?
The lifespan of a typical diesel turbo is usually between 150,000 and 250,000 miles. However, its longevity can be easily extended with proper care and maintenance.
How do oil additives help protect my turbo?
Oil additives help to improve lubrication film strength and aid in reducing bearing wear at extreme heat. They can also assist in cold-start protection. Hot Shot’s Secret offers a range of oil additives to keep your entire diesel engine system running efficiently, including your turbo.
Can aftermarket parts affect turbo longevity?
Yes. Aftermarket parts, especially poor-quality oil lines or cheap air filters, can disrupt the whole system and affect the life of your turbo. It is always recommended to visit a professional when you need new parts to ensure you maintain your turbo’s longevity.
Consult a Diesel Expert Today
If you want to keep your diesel turbo running like new, carefully engineered additives from Hot Shot’s Secret can help you do it. Follow expert guidance on maintaining your engine and use quality treatments to keep your turbocharger strong. Shop Stiction Eliminator and other additives today.