Section 505 (Exhaust System & Turbocharger): Turbocharger: Operation

Exhaust gas pressure and energy drive the turbine, which in turn drives a centrifugal compressor that compresses the inlet air, and forces the air into the engine through the charge air cooler and plumbing. Since heat is a by-product of this compression, the air must pass through a charge air cooler to cool the incoming air and maintain power and efficiency.

Increasing air flow to the engine provides: 

• Improved engine performance
• Lower exhaust smoke density
• Improved operating economy
• Altitude compensation
• Noise reduction.

The turbocharger is lubricated by engine oil that is pressurized, cooled, and filtered. The oil is delivered to the turbocharger by a supply line that is tapped into the engine block. The oil travels into the bearing housing, where it lubricates the shaft and bearings. See Fig 1. A return pipe at the bottom of the bearing housing, routes the engine oil back to the crankcase.

Fig 1: Turbocharger Oil Supply and Drain

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

The most common turbocharger failure is bearing failure related to repeated hot shutdowns with inadequate "cool-down" periods. A sudden engine shut down after prolonged operation will result in the transfer of heat from the turbine section of the turbocharger to the bearing housing. This causes the oil to overheat and break down, which causes bearing and shaft damage the next time the vehicle is started.

Letting the engine idle after extended operation allows the turbine housing to cool to normal operating temperature. The following chart should be used as a guide in determining the amount of engine idle time required to sufficiently cool down the turbocharger before shut down, depending upon the type of driving and the amount of cargo.