Why does the turbocharger glow red?
2 Answers
It is normal for the turbocharger to glow red. When the engine exhaust temperature reaches 730°C, the turbocharger housing begins to glow. During normal engine operation, the maximum exhaust temperature ranges between 850°C and 880°C. The turbocharger housing can withstand temperatures up to 1050°C, so glowing below 880°C is considered normal. Symptoms of a damaged turbocharger include: Sudden acceleration: Hearing the exhaust valve scream above 1750 RPM is normal. Vehicle odometer: If the turbocharger is damaged, there will be unusual noises inside. Warning light: If the car's turbocharger is damaged, the engine warning light will illuminate. Unusual odor: This can lead to incomplete combustion in the engine, resulting in strong exhaust odors.
A glowing red turbocharger is actually quite common. I've encountered many car owners worried about this phenomenon, but it's usually within the design parameters. The turbo is driven by engine exhaust gases, with exhaust temperatures reaching over 800°C, so it's normal for the housing to turn red after high-speed driving, especially noticeable after summer highway cruising. I recommend paying attention to abnormal situations: if the turbo turns red during city commuting, it might be caused by an overly lean air-fuel mixture leading to excessive exhaust heat, requiring a check on the air-fuel ratio; if accompanied by a loss of power, it could indicate retarded ignition timing; cooling issues can also exacerbate the reddening, such as insufficient coolant or poor oil circulation. In such cases, seek maintenance promptly to avoid damaging the turbo blades.
