{"id":117535,"date":"2024-08-29T00:18:38","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T07:18:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=117535"},"modified":"2024-09-13T20:59:34","modified_gmt":"2024-09-14T03:59:34","slug":"mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/","title":{"rendered":"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column117535_c975a0-ab inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-4a24be  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-bcd66c\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading117535_e99cb3-8d\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While a lot of diesel engines come with turbochargers nowadays, there are still a handful of them that are naturally aspirated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turbochargers generally work the same way regardless of whether they&rsquo;re in a diesel or gasoline engine. The slight difference is that a turbocharged diesel engine uses the compressed air before fuel injection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased fuel efficiency, improved performance, and more horsepower are the key advantages of having a turbocharged diesel engine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>One of the many reasons why a lot of drivers choose a diesel engine over a gasoline-powered one is that the former can generate more power because of the much higher compression and the slower burning diesel combustion event, which provides more torque.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from that, diesel engines are more fuel-efficient and require less maintenance compared to petrol engines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diesel engines are indeed mean machines, but could they possibly get meaner?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, they can with the help of a turbocharger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are All Diesel Engines Turbocharged?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While a lot of diesel engines come with turbochargers nowadays, there are still a handful of them that are naturally aspirated. Naturally aspirated diesel engines create low pressure as the pistons travel down on their intake strokes with the intake valves open, and the naturally higher pressure in the ambient air rushes through the manifold to fill the combustion chamber. The diesel fuel is injected during the compression stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In its most basic function, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/turbocharger\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"turbocharger\">turbocharger<\/a> is a forced induction upgrade that pumps additional air into the combustion chamber so that the engine can generate more power and burn fuel efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column117535_ce969b-58 kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id117535_977e81-e0 alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column117535_40cb75-de > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column117535_40cb75-de kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image117535_08f003-43.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image117535_08f003-43 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image117535_08f003-43.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image117535_08f003-43 .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image117535_08f003-43 figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image117535_08f003-43 .image-is-svg, .kb-image117535_08f003-43 .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image117535_08f003-43 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image117535_08f003-43\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column117535_b794e1-05 inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\nFor the past 20 years or more, just about all light vehicle diesels have been turbocharged by the manufacturer. So if you&rsquo;re driving a naturally aspirated diesel, your vehicle is probably older than that. An outlier was Volkswagen; VW used a naturally aspirated 2.0L diesel in the Golf from 2004 to 2008.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/turbocharger-vs-supercharger-which-is-better\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110\"><style> .u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110:active, .u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u84417e9bfa711b5fd92b9d41d0b8f110:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">Turbocharger vs. Supercharger: Which is Better?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;ve been driving a diesel engine without a turbocharger and you think that it&rsquo;s powerful enough on its own, imagine what a turbocharged diesel engine can do for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on your engine and the kind of turbocharger you&rsquo;re planning to get, you can get up to 30% more horsepower than a naturally aspirated engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Does a Turbocharger Work on a Diesel Engine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/dual-turbocharger-setup-on-a-6.4l-power-stroke-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"dual turbocharger setup on a 6.4l power stroke\" class=\"wp-image-118696\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/dual-turbocharger-setup-on-a-6.4l-power-stroke-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/dual-turbocharger-setup-on-a-6.4l-power-stroke-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/dual-turbocharger-setup-on-a-6.4l-power-stroke-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/dual-turbocharger-setup-on-a-6.4l-power-stroke-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/dual-turbocharger-setup-on-a-6.4l-power-stroke-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/dual-turbocharger-setup-on-a-6.4l-power-stroke.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A dual turbocharger setup on a 6.4L Power Stroke. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Turbochargers generally work the same way regardless of whether they&rsquo;re in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/7-key-differences-between-diesel-and-gas-engines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"diesel or gasoline engine\">diesel or gasoline engine<\/a>. The slight difference is that a turbocharged diesel engine uses the compressed air before fuel injection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A turbocharger basically adds compressed air into the combustion chambers to produce more power, and it does that with the help of a turbine wheel that pumps exhaust gas back into the intake system. So how does it compress the air?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a turbine in the exhaust that is driven by the exhaust flow, and it drives a shaft that has an impeller in the intake stream. The faster the exhaust flows, the more positive pressure is created in the intake. This is a controlled boost to prevent the engine from destroying itself and there are bypass valves that prevent overboost as the pressure increases in the intake manifold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/diagram-showing-how-a-turbocharger-works-on-a-diesel-engine-1024x579.jpg\" alt=\"diagram showing how a turbocharger works on a diesel engine\" class=\"wp-image-118695\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/diagram-showing-how-a-turbocharger-works-on-a-diesel-engine-1024x579.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/diagram-showing-how-a-turbocharger-works-on-a-diesel-engine-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/diagram-showing-how-a-turbocharger-works-on-a-diesel-engine-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/diagram-showing-how-a-turbocharger-works-on-a-diesel-engine-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/diagram-showing-how-a-turbocharger-works-on-a-diesel-engine.jpg 1402w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Diagram showing how a turbocharger works on a diesel engine | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>An air charge cooler is a heat exchanger that cools the air, which is heated as it is compressed by the turbocharger. Flowing through the charge air cooler (intercooler) is the compressed air, and passing through the fins outside the charge air cooler is ambient air. Cool air has more O2 molecules per cubic inch than hot air, so the air that is forced into the cylinders is compressed first and then cooled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A diesel engine turbocharger (or turbodiesel) operates in four key phases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase One<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Exhaust gas exits in irregular pulses during combustion. The exhaust flows past the turbine, driving that wheel and the shaft, which drives the wheel that is in the intake stream, forcing the air into the intake. The process is self-feeding so that it has to be controlled by a moveable wastegate (bypassing the turbine wheel) to prevent it from destroying the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-do-turbos-look-like-plus-how-they-work-and-more\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5\"><style> .ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5:active, .ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .ub4e2673852e408c4a3496db1e8b6a8a5:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">What Do Turbos Look Like? Plus How they Work, and More<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase Two<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As exhaust gases come into contact with the turbine blades, these blades rotate the turbine shaft at approximately 150,000 rpm or more. Variable geometry turbochargers used on Duramax and Power Stroke diesels can regulate the flow past the impeller so that the turbocharger can respond more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase Three<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The exhaust gases leave the turbo housing and pass through the catalytic converter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase Four (Happens Concurrently with Phases 1-3)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The turbocharger&rsquo;s turbine drives the air compressor where air is compressed to anywhere between 19 and 30 psi above atmospheric pressure, through the charge air cooler (intercooler) and into the intake plenum, where it enters the combustion chamber as the intake valves allow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variable Turbocharger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/example-of-a-variable-geometry-turbocharger-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"example of a variable geometry turbocharger\" class=\"wp-image-118694\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/example-of-a-variable-geometry-turbocharger-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/example-of-a-variable-geometry-turbocharger-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/example-of-a-variable-geometry-turbocharger-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/example-of-a-variable-geometry-turbocharger-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/example-of-a-variable-geometry-turbocharger-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/example-of-a-variable-geometry-turbocharger.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An example of a variable geometry turbocharger | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A variable geometry turbocharger is a type of turbocharger commonly found in diesel engines. This type of turbocharger doesn&rsquo;t rely on engine speed and has no need for a wastegate unlike other turbochargers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, a variable turbocharger has adjustable vanes mounted to a unison ring. As the unison ring rotates, the vanes change their angle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every time the vanes are opened, flow is minimized at the turbine and exhaust back pressure at low engine speeds. By increasing exhaust gas velocity, turbine speed increases as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The electronic control module (ECM) is responsible for turbine activity, particularly the turbocharger vane position actuation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ECM provides a signal to the valve solenoid, as well as a low-side reference. Then, a pulse-width-modulated signal from the ECM moves the valve to the desired position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of a Turbocharged Diesel Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a nutshell, a turbo diesel engine lets you enjoy the following advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Increased Fuel Efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s no secret that diesel engines are much more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines, with some diesels letting drivers save money at the pump by as much as 33% over gasoline-powered vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a turbocharger, you can expect that number to go even higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Higher Torque Output<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Increased torque output is arguably one of the driving forces behind diesel owners installing turbochargers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p0035-code-turbocharger-supercharger-bypass-valve-a-control-circuit-high\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24\"><style> .ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24:active, .ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .ua46da60d344bb9a70d6e2112cdb2fb24:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">P0035 Code: Turbocharger\/Supercharger Bypass Valve &ldquo;A&rdquo; Control Circuit High<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>With more air entering the cylinders, air density and pressure increase at the same time, leading to more fuel injection, torque, and power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improved Overall Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With a turbocharger, you can expect a significant boost in horsepower, improved altitude compensation, and more power per unit weight than a naturally aspirated engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A turbocharged diesel engine is also known to have better towing capabilities than a regular diesel engine, making it ideal for tractor use and other off-highway vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reduced Exhaust Emissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A turbocharged engine is essentially more environment-friendly than a naturally aspirated one, mainly because it reduces exhaust emissions by directing them back to the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages of a Turbocharged Diesel Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As fun as it is to drive a turbocharged diesel engine, doing so might come with a few challenges, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Excessive Vibration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One downside to having a turbocharger is that it can cause the engine to vibrate excessively due to the power being generated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This might not be a big deal for some drivers, but others consider excessive vibration as a dent in their vehicle&rsquo;s overall ride comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Turbo Lag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Turbo lag is what happens when an engine takes time to release a full burst of torque. The delay typically occurs when the engine is operating at a low RPM in low-load cruising mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Additional Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In many instances, a turbocharger is installed as an aftermarket upgrade, making it another item to add to your maintenance list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always remember that a well-maintained engine is key to your vehicle&rsquo;s longevity and optimal performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re planning to install a turbocharger to go along with your diesel engine, keep in mind that it&rsquo;ll need as much care and maintenance as other critical components. Only then will you be able to enjoy all the benefits of having one.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 6<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>One of the many reasons why a lot of drivers choose a diesel engine over a gasoline-powered one is that&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":117612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,3747],"tags":[930],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-117535","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-diy","8":"category-engine","9":"tag-turbocharger","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn about the inner workings of turbocharged diesel engines, the benefits they can offer, its disadvantages, and more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn about the inner workings of turbocharged diesel engines, the benefits they can offer, its disadvantages, and more.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-29T07:18:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-09-14T03:59:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1364\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com&#039;s thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.\",\"knowsAbout\":\"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"\\\/blog\\\/our-team\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/thecpteam\\\/\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom, https:\\\/\\\/twitter.com\\\/CarPartscom, https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/, https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"4\",\"name\":\"Richard McCuistian\",\"jobTitle\":\"ASE Master Automobile Technician\",\"description\":\"Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.\",\"knowsAbout\":\"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"\\\/blog\\\/our-team\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/richardmccuistian\\\/\",\"sameAs\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/in\\\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\\\/, https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/user\\\/McCuistian\"}],\"headline\":\"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-29T07:18:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-09-14T03:59:34+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1396,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"turbocharger\"],\"articleSection\":[\"DIY\",\"Engine\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/\",\"name\":\"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines - In The Garage with CarParts.com\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-29T07:18:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-09-14T03:59:34+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn about the inner workings of turbocharged diesel engines, the benefits they can offer, its disadvantages, and more.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg\",\"width\":2048,\"height\":1364,\"caption\":\"turbocharged diesel engines explanation\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/cp-itg-logo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/03\\\/cp-itg-logo.png\",\"width\":2048,\"height\":398,\"caption\":\"CarParts.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/carpartscom\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@CarPartscomOfficial\\\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines - In The Garage with CarParts.com","description":"Learn about the inner workings of turbocharged diesel engines, the benefits they can offer, its disadvantages, and more.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines - In The Garage with CarParts.com","og_description":"Learn about the inner workings of turbocharged diesel engines, the benefits they can offer, its disadvantages, and more.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/","og_site_name":"In The Garage with CarParts.com","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","article_published_time":"2024-08-29T07:18:38+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-09-14T03:59:34+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2048,"height":1364,"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@carpartscom","twitter_site":"@carpartscom","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/"},"author":[{"@type":"Person","$id":"4","name":"CarParts.com Research Team","jobTitle":"Expert Automotive Writer","description":"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com&#039;s thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.","knowsAbout":"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews","publishingPrinciples":"\/blog\/our-team\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom, https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom, https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CarPartscomOfficial\/, https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carpartscom\/"},{"@type":"Person","$id":"4","name":"Richard McCuistian","jobTitle":"ASE Master Automobile Technician","description":"Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.","knowsAbout":"Auto Repair, Car Maintenance, Auto Parts, Car Reviews","publishingPrinciples":"\/blog\/our-team\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/, https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian"}],"headline":"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines","datePublished":"2024-08-29T07:18:38+00:00","dateModified":"2024-09-14T03:59:34+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/"},"wordCount":1396,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg","keywords":["turbocharger"],"articleSection":["DIY","Engine"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/","name":"Mean Machines: Understanding Turbocharged Diesel Engines - In The Garage with CarParts.com","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg","datePublished":"2024-08-29T07:18:38+00:00","dateModified":"2024-09-14T03:59:34+00:00","description":"Learn about the inner workings of turbocharged diesel engines, the benefits they can offer, its disadvantages, and more.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg","width":2048,"height":1364,"caption":"turbocharged diesel engines explanation"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/","name":"In The Garage with CarParts.com","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"CarParts.com","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cp-itg-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cp-itg-logo.png","width":2048,"height":398,"caption":"CarParts.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/x.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/carpartscom","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@CarPartscomOfficial\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"","url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/turbocharged-diesel-engines-explanation.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/mean-machines-understanding-turbocharged-diesel-engines\/"},"authors":[{"term_id":2607,"user_id":1651,"is_guest":0,"slug":"thecpteam","display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"0":null,"1":"","2":"","3":"","4":"","5":"","6":"","7":"","8":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117535","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=117535"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/117535\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/117612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=117535"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=117535"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=117535"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=117535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}