Will a Turbocharger Be Damaged If It Gets Wet?
3 Answers
If the turbocharger gets wet but the engine is not started, it will not be damaged; however, if the engine is started after the turbocharger gets wet, damage will occur. The reasons are as follows: If the engine is turned over after the turbocharger gets wet, water will enter the cylinders through the intake valves. When the piston moves upward to compress, the water cannot be compressed. If the rotational force is small, the engine will stop turning; if the rotational force is large, it can bend the connecting rods, distort or break the pistons, or even crack or destroy the engine block. The turbocharger is introduced as follows: A centrifugal compressor and a turbine are combined into one unit, called a turbocharger. The main difference between it and a gas turbine is that the turbocharger does not have a combustion chamber or corresponding systems. The turbine operates using the exhaust energy from a reciprocating internal combustion engine, and the compressed air provided by its centrifugal compressor serves as the charge for the reciprocating internal combustion engine.
Water entering the turbocharger can definitely cause problems. Since the turbo relies on high-speed rotation to boost pressure, once water enters the intake system, it can scour the impeller and bearings, leading to excessive wear or even deformation. I've seen many cases where owners had to undergo major repairs after encountering this situation, usually caused by water entering the engine compartment while driving through flooded areas. The core components of a turbo are very precise, and water can corrode metal surfaces and potentially cause hydraulic lock in the rotating shaft, leading to sudden seizure. Over time, this will reduce the turbo's lifespan. Repairs can be costly and may also affect the overall engine performance. So, never risk driving through deep puddles. If water does enter, immediately turn off the engine and call for a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop—this can save you a lot of unnecessary expenses.
Speaking of turbocharger water intake, I once experienced it firsthand. That time during heavy rain, I drove through a slightly deeper puddle, only to see the temperature gauge skyrocket and the engine shaking violently. Upon stopping to check, I noticed abnormal noises from the turbo. After disassembly, it turned out the impeller was corroded by water and the bearing was bent. Turbochargers have fragile structures - significant water intake will definitely cause damage, especially since bearings rust and seize when exposed to water. The safe wading depth should stay below the hood line, otherwise detour or wait for water levels to recede. I recommend keeping a wading detection tool in your car just in case. If water does get in, contact a mechanic immediately. Repair costs often exceed a thousand yuan, so drivers should always stay alert to weather and road conditions.
