Turbochargers are great for boosting engine power but are prone to carbon buildup that can lead to damage. According to Kelley Blue Book, turbochargers use exhaust gases to spin a turbine that shares the same axis as another turbine that delivers more air to the engine’s combustion chamber to generate more power. The combination of high heat from the exhaust gas and oil cooling in the turbocharger creates carbon buildup that requires turbo engine maintenance and sometimes rebuilding. Here’s a quick look at the basics of rebuilding a turbocharger.
Clean and Inspect the Unit
Rebuilding a turbocharger starts by removing and disassembling it. Once disassembled, your technician will need to clean its parts and housing pieces. They’ll especially want to look for carbon buildup in oil passages that restrict the cooling oil’s flow. Poor oil flow leads to overheating and damage to the turbocharger’s parts.
Balance the Parts and Assembly
Balancing the parts and housing is very important for turbo engine maintenance. Any imbalance causes the turbocharger to fail and damage its internal parts, so it’s critically important to balance the turbine wheels, compressor, and the entire unit after reassembling it.
Replace Worn Bearings and Seals
The bearings inside a turbocharger can become worn and can cause other parts to wear prematurely and become imbalanced. Your technician will need to inspect the bearings and replace them if they are showing signs of excessive wear and tear. They also need to inspect the seals and replace any that are deformed, worn, or damaged. Only good seals will help the unit send cooling oil where it needs to go and build the internal pressure needed to send air to the combustion chamber and boost the engine’s power.
Reassemble and Check Pressure
Once the internal parts have all been cleaned, balanced, and replaced as needed, it’s time to reassemble the turbocharger and then inspect it. Everything should work as intended and the unit should have the proper amount of pressure to open the wastegate actuator. The actuator should open when the internal pressure reaches the correct point, which enables the turbocharger to send more air into the combustion chamber and increase the engine’s power.
Are you looking for a reliable and experienced mechanic to perform turbo engine maintenance or a complete rebuild? If so, look no further than Samperio Turbo Rebuild! You can call, schedule an appointment online, or visit our shop to learn more and schedule service.
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