What is a turbocharger?
It can be described in many ways. However the common understanding is that turbocharger gives the engine more power and greater torque.
A turbocharger, or turbo, is a gas compressor that is used for forced induction of an internal combustion engine.
The turbocharger increases the pressure of air entering the engine to create more power.
A turbocharger has the compressor powered by a turbine which is driven by the engine’s own exhaust gases rather than direct mechanical drive.
Turbocharger pumps more air into the engine boosting the engine power without increase in the engine volume.
A “turbo,” is operated by the energy contained in the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas spins a turbine inside the turbocharger at an extremely high speed (normally more than 100,000 rpm). That compresses the air-fuel mixture into the cylinders, which creates higher power output.
The objective of a turbocharger is to improve the engine’s volumetric efficiency. A naturally aspirated automobile engine uses only the downward stroke of a piston to create an area of low pressure in order to draw air into the cylinder through the intake valves.
Here are few tips:
– manufacturer recommends synthetic oil, or at least semi synthetic oil. Weststar Maxus uses semi synthetic oils.
– When you stop the car after hard driving (speeding, towing, etc.) don’t shut the engine off right away, let it idle for a while to cool down the turbocharger.
– Very long uphill driving under constant load may also cause turbo to overheat, try to avoid it if possible
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
The turbocharger works at very high temperature and proper cooling is needed to maintain durability. Engine oil thus plays a major role in lubricating and cooling the turbo. It is advisable to follow recommended oil change guidelines. Good quality engine oil is essential . Low quality, or old contaminated oil can be easily cooked under high temperature in the turbocharger causing it to fail.
Some oil cannot provide enough lubrication performance or durability when used in turbocharged engines. Poor-quality oil or oil not designed for turbo engines may cause damage to the turbocharger and other engine components. Consequently, it is critical to use recommended oil grade and viscosity. Weststar Maxus uses semi synthetic 10W-40 oil grade.
Another important component of the lubrication system is the oil filter. The maxus Genuine Oil Filter, available at your maxus dealer, is the only filter that maxus has tested to meet requirements for filtration and flow. Aftermarket oil filters may have different filtration performance and relief-valve opening pressures, which could affect filter and engine operation. Maxus Genuine Oil Filters help ensure optimum engine and turbocharger performance.
ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER REPLACEMENT INTERVAL
Due to heat generated by the turbocharger and carbon deposits contained in exhaust gas, the oil in a turbocharged engine will deteriorate faster than the oil in a naturally aspirated engine. Therefore, special care should be taken to use the proper grade oil and to monitor oil deterioration.
Under normal driving conditions, the recommended oil and oil filter change interval for turbo vehicles using semi synthetic oil is every 10000 km or six months, whichever comes first.
However, for vehicles driven in conditions beyond normal, such as dusty conditions, the oil and oil filter may require more frequent changes, possibly at every 5000km or three months, whichever comes first.
ENGINE OIL LEVEL
Check the oil dipstick periodically to make sure the oil level is within proper range, which keeps the turbocharger properly lubricated and cooled. More frequent level checks are necessary especially when utilizing engine braking, because this increases the engine’s demand for lubrication.
Important: Allowing the engine oil level to drop by more than one quart may cause oil starvation, oil pump cavitation, and bearing damage. Over time, the cumulative effect will cause turbocharger and engine failure.
Tips
Do not rev the engine or accelerate past half throttle immediately after start-up. Oil requires time to heat up for full flow, allow 30 seconds before driving. High-rpm driving with a cold engine can damage the turbocharger.
After highway driving or high-load driving, allow the engine to cool by idling for at least 30 seconds before turning off the ignition.
OIL CHANGES
Carbon deposits produced by a turbocharged engine can accumulate at the bottom of the oil pan. When changing the oil, always drain the oil through the oil drain plug hole on the oil pan. A vacuum draining device could leave carbon deposits in the oil pan and potentially contaminate the new oil.
What Are the Benefits of Turbo Engines?
The word “turbo” immediately conjures up images of speed and sports cars. The belief is that a turbo charger is useful if you want to go faster. While a turbo charge will do exactly that–make you go faster–there are also several other advantages for having one on your car. So if you are considering purchasing a car with a turbo charger, or having one installed, you may want to think about the other benefits to see if it works with what you are looking for.
Fuel Consumption
Comparing an engine with a turbo charger and one without which produces the same amount of power, the engine with the turbo will use less fuel. This is because the actual engine size will be smaller. For example, if both engines produce 200 horsepower, the turbocharged version may be able to do this with only four cylinders, while the one without would require six cylinders. A turbocharged engine can get up to 20 percent better fuel economy.
Noise Pollution
With a smaller overall engine size to produce the same amount of power, the turbocharged engine is less noisy than a naturally aspirated engine. Also, the turbocharger acts as an additional silencer, muffling any noise generated.
High-Altitude Performance
Engines require air pressure to burn fuel and generate power. At higher altitudes there is lower air pressure, so regular engines will produce much less power. On the other hand, the performance and power generation of a turbocharged engine actually improves. This is because there is a greater pressure difference between the air pressure ahead of the turbo and the lower pressure at the exhaust. The turbocharger increases the density of air entering the engine to generate more power.
Size and Weight
With fewer cylinders to produce the same amount of power, the overall engine size and weight will be less than a normal engine. A lighter car is more efficient. To generate the same amount of power with a regular engine, you need to make it bigger and heavier.
Reduced Emissions
Governments are requiring that car manufacturers improve the average gas mileage and reduce the emissions produced in cars they manufacture. A turbocharged engine is smaller than a regular engine, burns less fuel and generates less environmentally unfriendly carbon dioxide.
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