What to Do If the Turbocharger Burns Engine Oil?
4 Answers
Here is the relevant introduction about turbocharger burning engine oil: 1. Choose high-quality lubricating oil: Generally, the turbocharger starts when the engine speed reaches 3500 rpm and quickly increases to 6000 rpm. The higher the engine speed, the stronger the oil's shear resistance needs to be. 2. Regular maintenance and timely replacement: In fact, a large part of turbocharged cars experience oil burning because the owner did not change the oil on time. 3. Frequently check the oil dipstick: If you suspect abnormal oil consumption in your car, you should frequently check the oil dipstick. 4. Keep the turbocharger clean: The turbocharger is designed and manufactured with precision and operates in a harsh environment. Therefore, it has very high requirements for the cleanliness and protective properties of the lubricating oil.
I've encountered the issue of turbocharger burning engine oil several times before. The main reason is the aging or damage of the turbocharger's oil seals, which allows oil to leak into the intake system and burn, resulting in blue smoke and excessive oil consumption. This situation must not be ignored, as it can damage the overall performance of the engine and may lead to more serious failures. My suggestion is to immediately stop the vehicle to check the oil level and avoid continuing to drive to prevent further damage. Then, take it to a professional repair shop or authorized dealership as soon as possible for a professional diagnosis. They can use instruments to test the turbo's sealing performance, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger assembly or related components. During routine maintenance, pay attention to oil quality and inspect the oil system every six months to effectively prevent this issue, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
From a technical perspective, turbocharger oil burning is mostly caused by worn seals or bearings inside, leading to leaks due to prolonged high-temperature operation, which allows oil to be sucked into the combustion chamber. As someone who enjoys tinkering with cars, I would first check the dipstick for significant oil loss and see if the exhaust emits blue smoke, then clean any oil residue around the turbo. But don’t attempt a DIY turbo repair—it’s too precise, and you might make things worse. My advice is not to delay; take it to a professional technician for a pressure test diagnosis. For older cars, the entire turbocharger might need replacement. For prevention, using the right type of oil is crucial—opting for high-viscosity oil with turbo protection can extend component lifespan.
I'm a new driver. Last time I noticed a burnt smell and heavy smoke from my car's exhaust. After checking, I found out it was the turbocharger burning oil, which really worried me. The possible causes could be clogged oil passages or failed seals, but I don't know much about car repair details. For safety, I stopped driving immediately to prevent further engine damage from oil burning. Later, I contacted a repair shop recommended by a friend, and they handled it quickly. A reminder to everyone: always pay attention to the oil warning light on the dashboard, don't be careless like me. If you notice anything unusual, it's best not to tamper with it yourself and seek help early for safety.
