A turbo charger is designed to improve the power output of an engine beyond
its normal operating capacity. A normally aspirated
engine uses a mixture of air
and fuel that is pulled into it from vacuum created by the cylinders. A turbo
charger increases the amount of air injected into the
engine, which also allows more
fuel to be injected. This increase provides a higher power output.
A turbo charger utilizes a turbine which is driven by hot
engine exhaust, when these gases expand it will spin the turbine at high
speeds, which forces air into the engine.
Engine oil is used to cool and lubricate the turbine shaft in the turbo
housing. In some applications, an “Inter-Cooler” is used to cool the intake
charge before it enters the engine, thus increasing horsepower.
Inside a Turbo Charger
To help regulate the air intake pressure a device called a waste-gate is
designed to release boost at a measured pressure point. This is done to limit
the amount of boost the engine receives; if the engine is boosted too much it
can cause internal
engine failure. A turbo charger increases the compression of the
engine, so to combat engine ping (detonation) low compression pistons are
installed. Turbo chargers help reduce the amount of fuel that is required to
achieve the same level of power.
Turbo Waste Gate (cut away)
A turbo charged engine requires oil changes be more frequent than a non-turbo
charged engine. The turbo charger will break oil down sooner because of the
added stress on the engine. When a turbo charger has failed it can cause the
engine to have less power and burn oil excessively. A regular maintenance
routine for a turbo charged vehicle will ensure proper operation and have less
risk of breaking down, as well as damaging components
How Does it Work /
Turbo Charger
Check Manufacturer Specific Turbo
Charger Questions and Answers
Common Problems
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