How to stop your Turbo Failing from oil starvation

BTN Turbo have been speaking about the effect of oil on the functionality of turbochargers.

Turbochargers rely on a thin film of oil that lubricates the bearings on the turbine shaft. The oil is kept in place by seals for the turbine and compressor ends of the bearing housing. These seals are unlike conventional oil seals, and are similar to piston rings.

BTN Turbo state “Turbo’s need positive air pressure inside the compressor and turbine to keep oil lubricating the bearings and prevent it seeping into the end housings.”

Implications of restrictions and blockages

  • A restriction on the inlet side will create a vacuum that will to pull oil past the seals at the compressor end housing.
  • If the engine idles for long periods, the turbo will rotate at very low speed with correspondingly low air pressure.
  • The resulting vacuum will cause oil to seep into the turbine housing.
  • Either situation results in insufficient oil for the turbine bearings.

Oil leaks at the compressor end can be caused by blockages and air leaks in the air intake system. Leaks at the turbine end are usually caused by leaks in the exhaust system or in the EGR system.

Implications of compressor and turbine leaks

  • If the vehicle is suffering with leaks at both the compressor and turbine end, BTN Turbo suggests that it could be any restriction in the oil drain pipe from the turbo to the engine.
  • It may also be caused by a restriction in the engine breather, physical damage to the turbo’s rotating parts, repeated hot engine shutdowns leading to carbon deposits in the centre housing or even that the wrong turbo was fitted.

BTN also advises technicians to ensure there are no blockages or restrictions in the air and oil drain systems and to ensure there are no leaks in the exhaust system.

The BTN Turbo range stands at over 3,200 active part numbers, which are available special order from FPS.