A better fuel economy and more power from smaller engines make turbochargers a common part of currently produced vehicles. According to GlobeNewswire, the global turbochargers market is expected to grow rapidly from 2022 to 2030. A turbocharger is subject to high heat while sending more air and oxygen to the combustion chamber for more power. Turbochargers require dedicated maintenance and premium synthetic oil and fuel to remain in good condition. Here’s what a turbo engine is made of that requires such attentive maintenance.
Wheels and Shaft
Turbochargers use some of the pressure caused by exhaust gases to turn a wheel that is connected by a shaft to another wheel. A turbine wheel harnesses the energy produced by the engine’s exhaust gases to rapidly rotate a shaft with a compressor wheel at the other end. The compressor wheel forces more air and oxygen into the combustion chamber. More oxygen means more fuel can burn cleanly while generating more power, but the turbocharger suffers a lot of heat stress that requires frequent maintenance.
Heat Shield and Oil Passageways
Dealing with the heat requires a heat shield that helps keep extreme heat away from the housings for turbochargers. The heat shield reflects engine and exhaust heat away from the compressor and turbine housings and backing plate that hold together the turbocharger and its internal parts. A bypass valve and oil passageways help cool the turbocharger, but it’s impossible to block all the heat caused by the exhaust gases. The high operating temperature of a turbocharger makes it prone to oil residue buildup that might stop the oil from effectively cooling the unit.
Rotating Assembly
The turbine and compressor wheels are connected by a shaft, which are the three primary components of the rotating assembly that enables the turbocharger to do its job. Exhaust gases force the turbine wheel to turn the shaft, which then turns the shaft and the compressor wheel at the other end of the rotating assembly. Bearings help ensure smooth rotation with minimal friction. The wheels, shaft, and bearings are vulnerable to heat damage if the turbocharger overheats due to a lack of maintenance. High heat might deform one or more parts of the rotating assembly, which would lead to a complete failure of the defective turbocharger.
With so many working parts, it’s essential for turbochargers to receive specialized care. You can only entrust yours to the best professionals. If you’re in need of dependable turbocharger service, contact Samperio Turbo Rebuild today.