Turbine failure: Oil contamination

Why does polluted oil harm the turbocharger?

Since the rotor of the turbocharger rotates at a frequency of up to 240,000 rpm and is exposed to a temperature of 950 ° C, the bearings of the turbine undergo a colossal load. The turbine shaft and bearings rotate in a thin oil film. Consequently, any violation of oil supply to the turbine will cause damage to its bearings before the engine bearings fail. Five seconds of running without oil for the turbine is as harmful as five minutes for the engine.

It is important to ensure that the oil pressure in the engine is in accordance with the manufacturer's standards, but more importantly, that the oil channels of the turbine remain clean to supply uncontaminated oil at the correct pressure. Contaminated oil will have an abrasive effect on the bearings, leading to their rapid deterioration and, ultimately, to breakage of the turbine.

What causes oil contamination?

• Clogged, damaged or low-quality filter.
• The soot deposits in the engine. Even a new oil can quickly contaminate.
• Accidental contamination of new oil during maintenance.
• Oil filter bypass valve fault.
• Engine wear, wear of wear products in the oil.
• Degraded due to overheating or untimely oil change.

Prevention of breakage of the turbine due to contaminated oil:

The wear products of the engine have blocked the oil supply channel to the thrust bearing.

• Always replace the turbocharger with new oil and filters.
• Check that the oil type matches the engine.
• Clean or replace the oil supply pipes to prevent the soot from entering the turbine, which can block oil from accessing the bearings.

by http://turbomaster.ru/article/killer