FAQ
Q: Why is better to fit fully rebuild turbo instead of used turbocharger from dismantlers yards?
A: If we do some testing and discover that a turbocharger has failed, some owners of older vehicles are likely to enquire about using second hand or salvaged parts. Generally, if the used part is cheaper and OK, the customer wins because the overall cost of the repair is lower. If the used part is faulty, then they will have wasted their money and will still need to buy a replacement (also time off the road is likely to be longer). Obviously, it is not possible to guarantee a job when second hand parts are used and there is a high level of risk that the job will turn bad. If the turbo fails, the warning light comes back on, or the original symptom returns, the customer may doubt the quality of your diagnosis and/or repair. Based on our extensive experience, our recommendation is to use original new or fully rebuild/reconditioned turbochargers.
Q: Will turbocharger replacement fix the fault?
A: Our answer is ‘It will solve this part of it’. We couldn’t perform any additional testing until this obvious turbocharger’s fault was sorted and that there was a possibility of finding other issues once this particular problem was solved. In reality, in 90% of turbo related problems the customer’s symptom was going to be resolved upon fitting a new turbo but having experience of multi-layer faults has made us very wary of trying to predict the future!
Q: There is blue/black smoke, is my turbo going bad?
A: Blue/black smoke can be caused by numerous conditions, and one of them could be a worn turbocharger. The following are potential reasons that blue/black smoke could occur:
- Clogged air filter element or obstructed air intake duct. This condition creates a vacuum due to high differential pressure resulting in oil drawn into the compressor and subsequently burned during engine combustion.
- Engine component problems; i.e. worn piston rings or liners, valve seals, fuel pump, fuel injectors, etc.
- Obstructed oil drain on turbocharger resulting in pressure building inside the center housing and forcing oil past the turbocharger seals.
- Damaged turbocharger or worn turbocharger past its useful service life.
- Black smoke is also sometimes indicative of too rich an air/fuel mixture.
Q: What additional maintenance is required for the turbo?
A: Good, clean oil is extremely important to the turbocharger. It is best to change the oil and filter at least as often as the automobile manufacturer recommends. Turbo performance is sensitive to turbo inlet conditions. A clogged air filter can drastically affect the turbo inlet. In turbocharged used vehicles oil and filters should be replaced at 8000 to 11000 KM (5000-7000 Miles) intervals.
If the oil service was overdue, the best action is, as soon as possible carry out an oil and filter change, and again repeat the oil and filter change within the first 500 Km. For very contaminated engines this process may need to be repeated more than once.
In TurboChargers.ie workshops we supply and fit O.E. (original equipment) oils and filters for every make and model at affordable prices.
Never exceed the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service intervals.
Q: I don't want to repair my car. Can somebody buy it as is for parts or repairs?
A: There is a few cash for cars services around. One of them is CashForCar.ie – fair prices, quick decisions and collections.
Q: My vehicle has more problems than just a turbocharger. Who can help?
A: There are many garages in every town. Our neighbours in Dublin 11 and Dublin 15 NCTpass.ie, CVRTpass.ie,
NorthWestAutos.ie are multifunctional car and van repair workshops. Contact them for all your vehicle needs.
