If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your small engine, installing a turbocharger is a great option. Turbochargers compress exhaust gas and send it back to the engine. This increased airflow sends more fuel to the engine, giving it that extra boost it needs to accelerate on the road.
Like any auto upgrade, however, a turbocharger can still malfunction and cause problems for your vehicle.
Is It Safe To Drive With a Bad Turbocharger?
No, it isn’t safe to drive with a faulty turbocharger, and it’s best to avoid driving until the issue is fixed. Even if your vehicle can still run, it’s only a matter of time before the blown turbocharger damages your engine, resulting in a bigger repair bill.
Why You Should Let the Turbocharger Cool Down Before Shutting It Off
Most modern vehicles come with a cooling system dedicated to lowering the temperature of the turbocharger. However, many drivers still recommend letting it cool down after driving.
Turbochargers typically run at around 100,000 to 150,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), which means they can get hot very fast. By allowing the engine to idle for a few minutes, the turbocharger and its bearings can cool down. This prevents built-up heat from damaging the engine.
How Long Should I Let My Turbocharged Engine Idle?
Waiting for your turbocharger to cool down before turning off the engine can seem like a hassle, especially if you have to do it after every drive. However, it’ll only take a short while. Letting your engine idle for at least 60 seconds should be enough to let the oil temperature cool down.
What Is a Turbo Timer?
A turbo timer is designed to prevent your turbocharger from overheating. After you turn the ignition off, the turbo timer keeps the engine running for a few minutes. This allows the hot oil to keep flowing through the turbocharger until it cools down.
Not all vehicles need a turbo timer, but it’s a worthy investment that can help prolong the life of your turbocharger. It’s also convenient to have, especially if you often forget to let the engine idle before turning it off.
Before getting one, however, it’s best to check if your vehicle already comes with an electronic cooling system that serves the same purpose.
How Do You Know if a Turbocharger Is Bad?
A faulty turbocharger can be hard to diagnose, but you can spot it early on if you know what to look for. Here are the common signs of a bad turbocharger that you should keep an eye out for:
Poor Engine Performance
A loss of power and sluggish acceleration are some of the most telling signs of a faulty turbocharger. Your vehicle will start to feel less responsive, and you might find it hard to drive at higher speeds.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
If you’re stopping by the gas station to refuel more often, then you might be dealing with a malfunctioning turbocharger. Poor fuel efficiency is one of the most common signs of a bad turbo, and it’s because the engine isn’t getting enough air. This causes the engine to burn more fuel inefficiently.
Overheating Engine
In a turbocharger system, an impeller is a fan-shaped component that draws in and compresses the air that enters the engine. How much air enters the combustion chamber depends on how fast the impeller spins. If it gets stuck, the engine has to compensate and work harder, resulting in extra strain that can eventually cause the engine to overheat.
Engine Failure
A damaged turbocharger can lead to all sorts of issues, such as carbon build-up. If left unchecked for too long, this can damage various parts of the engine and even lead to complete engine failure.
Catalytic Converter Damage
A faulty turbocharger typically results in a poor air-to-fuel ratio, which can result in too much air or unburned fuel in the catalytic converter. This can cause severe catalytic converter damage that can be costly to repair.
What To Do When Your Turbo Is Damaged
You have two options to choose from. You can either replace your old turbocharger with a new one or try to repair it. The best option will depend on the condition of your turbocharger, but it’s best to replace it if the damage is too severe.
If you’re unsure what to do, you can ask a mechanic to check the condition of your turbocharger. They’ll advise you on what your next step should be.
How Much Does a Turbocharger Cost?
The exact price can vary depending on several factors, including your vehicle’s year, make, and model. In general, however, you can expect to spend anywhere from $82 to a whopping $7,520.
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