A turbocharger increases the power of your car as well as the overall efficiency of the car. Due to many different environmental issues, big engine cars are now being substituted with smaller turbocharged engines.
Your car will not necessarily have a single turbocharger. Many high-performance cars now use 2 or multiple turbochargers.
There is no doubt that turbochargers enhance the performance of your car. However, you must watch out for some common problems with your turbocharger so that you can resolve them before making a choice to buy a new one or having it repaired.
Below are some of the problems you should watch out for in your turbocharger:
- Poor acceleration
- Lack of power
- Loud siren type noise
- Increased oil consumption
- Excessive exhaust smoke
When you discover any of these problems with your turbocharger, the first step is to examine the cause of the problem. This will tell you whether to buy a new one or to repair the current turbocharger.
Some of the common reasons why a turbocharger develops faults are:
- Heavy usage
- Old age (wear and tear)
- Poor oil quality leading to carbon deposits
- Cracked or poor seals
- Leaking pipes
- Not allowing the turbo cool down before switching off the engine
- External substances entering the turbo
Should you Repair or buy a New Turbocharger?
This is sometimes a tough decision to make. With a proper diagnosis of the nature of the problem your turbo is having, you can easily make up your mind whether to buy a brand-new turbocharger or repair the one you have.
In most cases, a turbocharger can be repaired, unless the outer housings are damaged. It is imperative that you get a warranty in case the turbo fails again.
When it comes to the fitting of a turbo charger, you should use the service of a professional turbo centre such as Turboworks, where they back all turbocharger repair-work with a 12 month warranty.
Balancing your turbo correctly is critical in the proper functioning of it. If not done correctly you might need to replace your turbo sooner than expected. In the case of VNT turbochargers, a flow-bench is essential in testing the correct operation of the variable and perform precise calibration of the turbocharger.
Always remember that if you need to repair your turbocharger, you should take it to a turbo specialist who will dismantle it. They will examine individual parts such as the turbine-wheel-and shaft, the compressor wheel, bearings, bearing-housing, compressor housing, and turbine housing. This is important to find the reason why your turbo is not performing. The worn parts will be replaced by the turbo specialist and your turbocharger will be as good as new.