What are the effects of turbocharger oil leakage?
2 Answers
Turbocharger oil leakage can affect engine power. Oil leakage from the turbocharger indicates damage to the sealing ring, which can impact performance. Check the exhaust outlet of the turbocharger for any presence of oil. If oil is found, it can be determined that the sealing ring on the turbo side is damaged and should be replaced. Regularly inspect the turbocharger for any unusual noises or abnormal vibrations, and check for oil leaks in the lubrication pipes and joints. Turbocharged engines also have higher requirements for engine oil, which must be kept clean. Precautions for using a turbocharger are as follows: 1. Do not drive immediately after starting: After starting the engine, especially in winter, allow it to idle for a while to ensure that the lubricating oil fully lubricates the bearings before the turbocharger rotor operates at high speed. Therefore, avoid revving the engine hard immediately after startup to prevent damage to the turbocharger oil seal. 2. Do not shut down the engine immediately: After prolonged high-speed operation, do not turn off the engine immediately. During engine operation, some of the oil is supplied to the turbocharger rotor bearings for lubrication and cooling. If the engine is suddenly stopped while running, the oil pressure drops rapidly to zero, and the high temperature from the turbo section of the turbocharger is transferred to the middle.
I once experienced turbocharger oil leakage. That time while driving on the highway, I suddenly smelled thick smoke and immediately pulled over. Later, I found oil stains seeping from the turbo housing, which nearly caused a fire because high-temperature components contacting engine oil are highly flammable. What's worse, after the oil leak, the boost pressure significantly decreased, engine acceleration noticeably declined, and both steering and brake responses became sluggish. Had this happened at night or during rainy weather, the safety risks would have doubled. Regular inspections are crucial - I always check around the turbocharger for any wetness after parking, especially for older vehicles where component aging often causes such leaks at seals or pipe connections. Ignoring timely repairs can lead to disasters endangering both yourself and others. For prevention, using the correct oil specifications and regular maintenance can reduce the occurrence probability, but once a leak is detected, immediate professional repair is essential.
