How to Determine Diesel Turbocharger Damage?
3 Answers
There will be a significant decrease in engine power and no boost effect. Prolonged engine operation can lead to poor exhaust heat dissipation, sharp screeching noises when the engine is running, and insufficient air entering the combustion chamber. Black smoke emission or stalling at high throttle.
Last time my diesel pickup had turbo problems, it really gave me a hard time. Driving it felt like an old ox pulling a cart—completely lacking power. The most obvious symptoms were the engine roaring without acceleration, with lots of blue or black smoke coming from the exhaust, smelling burnt. Under the car, I could hear metallic grinding or sharp whistling near the turbo, and the oil pressure gauge fluctuated wildly during cold starts. I specifically tested it—the blow-off valve sounded unusually muffled when releasing the throttle, unlike the crisp 'whoosh' it used to make. The biggest headache was the sudden increase in oil consumption, needing half a liter every two weeks. Later, when I took it apart, I found the turbo blades were all jagged. If you notice two or three of these symptoms, it’s almost certain there’s an issue with the turbo itself or the seals in the piping. Don’t push it—you could end up wrecking the engine too.
With over a decade of experience driving diesel vehicles, I can tell you there are always warning signs before a turbo fails. Pay attention to whether the exhaust pipe outlet constantly has oily carbon deposits – this is definitive evidence of seal ring aging and oil leakage. Listen for any abnormal whistling sounds from the engine compartment during cold starts in the morning; the louder the noise, the more severe the problem. While driving, the most obvious symptom is when the tachometer surges but the vehicle speed doesn't increase during uphill climbs, and pressing the accelerator harder actually results in less power. There's also a practical method: with the engine running, have a companion floor the accelerator while you feel the turbocharger's intake pipe with your hand – if it remains completely cold to the touch, it means the exhaust gases aren't driving the turbine at all. My last incident involved intermittent power loss while driving, and upon disassembly, we found three bearing balls jammed in the turbo, with the blades having worn grooves into the housing. The key is to investigate abnormalities early – don't wait until it completely fails and leaves you stranded on the road.
