Lack of Power

• Check that filter, hoses and pipes are clean and in good condition
• Check that the fuel injection system is in good condition and correctly adjusted
• Check that the exhaust system, including catalyst and DPF, is not blocked or damaged

Noisy Performance

• Check that the pipework and support brackets are not loose or damaged and that the connections are good
• Check for any leakages or cracks in the intercooler

Excessive Smoke or Oil Consumption

• Check that air filters are not restricted or blocked
• Check that engine oil specifications strictly correspond to car manufacturer’s recommendations
• Check that the oil drain pipe is clean and not restricted
• Check for excessive pressure in engine crankcase and correct function of engine breather system
• Check that hoses and joints are in good condition
• Check for lubrication problems in engine block if oil or carbon deposits are found on exhaust manifolds or in the turbine

The turbocharger is one of the most misunderstood products in the automotive industry. If the vehicle starts to emit smoke the turbocharger will invariably get the blame.

A turbocharger operates in an extremely harsh environment – 1050°C exhaust gas/turbine temperature and over 200,000-RPM rotor speeds are not uncommon operating conditions for an automotive turbocharger.

Appreciating this will help you understand why a turbocharger will fail if the engine or supporting systems are not in good order.

The main life-sustaining factor for a turbocharger is the lubricating oil, comparable to the blood supply for a human being.

More often than not a defective turbocharger is the consequence of some other primary engine defect which cannot be cured just by replacing the turbocharger.

A turbocharger is only as good as the engine it is fitted to and the person fitting it cannot expect a new turbo to cure underlying engine problems.