My turbo is leaking oil, is it the turbo?
Loss of power, excess smoke, high fuel consumption, overheating, high exhaust temperatures and oil leakages from the turbocharger are all symptoms that could indicate turbocharger malfunction...
However, these faults are often wrongly attributed to the turbocharger because defects in other components can produce the same symptoms. The turbocharger performance can only be impaired by mechanical damage or blockage caused by carbonisation. This checklist provides a comprehensive list of the most common symptoms related to turbocharger failure. BEFORE replacing a turbocharger, verify the problem by consulting the chart below. If after taking the appropriate action a problem(s) still persists please contact us.
ENGINE RUNNING HOT
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Restricted Air Outlet Duct from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Restricted Inlet Manifold: | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Restriction |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak Between Inlet Manifold and Engine: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
|
Restricted Exhaust System (back-pressure): |
Refer OEM's Manual Replace Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air/Fuel Ratio Incorrect: | Check AFR and Correct Cause |
| Ignition or Engine Vlave Timing Incorrect: | Refer OEM's Manual, Adjust Timing(s) as Required |
| Failed Actuator Diaphragm: | Replace using Service Kit (pending model) or New Actuator |
| Siezed Swing-Valve: | Free valve or Replace Sub-Assembly or Complete Turbine Housing |
| Leaking Actuator Hose: | Replace Hose and Clips |
| Actuator / Wastegate Set Incorrectly: | Contact OEM or Turbo Specialist for Correct Settings |
POOR TRANSIENT RESPONSE / POWER SURGE
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Restricted Air Outlet Duct from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as required |
| Restricted Inlet Manifold: | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Restriction |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Exhaust Manifold Cracked, Gaskets Blown or Missing: | Refer to OEM's Manual and Replace Gaskets or Damaged Parts as Required |
| Exhaust Gas Leak at Turbine Inlet / Exhaust Manifold Joint: | Replace Gasket or Tighten Fasteners as Required / Check Surfaces are Square |
| Exhaust Gas Leak in Tubing after Turbine Outlet: | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Repair Leak |
| Fuel Injection Pump or Fuel Injectors Incorrectly Set: | Refer to OEM's’s Manual and Replace or Adjust Faulty Components |
| Air/Fuel Ratio Incorrect: | Check AFR and Correct Cause |
| Siezed Swing-Valve: | Free Valve or Replace Sub-Assembly or Complete Turbine Housing |
| Actuator / Wastegate Set Incorrectly: | Contact OEM or Turbo Specialist for Correct Settings |
ENGINE LACKS POWER
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Air Outlet Duct from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Restricted Inlet Manifold: | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Restriction |
| Air Leak Between Inlet Manifold and Engine: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Air Cleaner to Compressor: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Foreign Object in Exhaust Manifold (from engine): | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Obstruction |
| Restricted Exhaust System (back-pressure): | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Exhaust Manifold Cracked, Gaskets Blown or Missing: | Refer to OEM's Manual and Replace Gaskets or Damaged Parts as Required |
| Exhaust Gas leak at Turbine Inlet / Exhaust Manifold Joint: | Replace Gasket or Tighten Fasteners as Required / Check Surfaces are Square |
| Fuel Injection Pump or Fuel Injectors Incorrectly Set: | Refer to OEM's’s Manual and Replace or Adjust Faulty Components |
| Air / Fuel Ratio Incorrect: | Check AFR and Correct Cause |
| Ignition or Engine Vlave Timing Incorrect: | Refer OEM's Manual, Adjust Timing(s) as Required |
| Worn Engine Piston Rings, Bores or Liners: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Burnt Valves and/or Pistons: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
| Actuator / Wastegate Set Incorrectly: | Contact OEM or Turbo Specialist for Correct Settings |
| Turbocharger Damaged: | Diagnose/Correct Cause of Failure, Repair or Replace Turbocharger |
SMOKE
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak Between Inlet Manifold and Engine: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Exhaust Manifold Cracked, Gaskets Blown or Missing: | Refer to OEM's Manual and Replace Gaskets or Damaged Parts as Required |
| Exhaust Gas leak at Turbine Inlet / Exhaust Manifold Joint: | Replace Gasket or Tighten Fasteners as Required / Check Surfaces are Square |
| Fuel Injection Pump or Fuel Injectors Incorrectly Set: | Refer to OEM's’s Manual and Replace or Adjust Faulty Components |
| Air / Fuel Ratio Incorrect: | Check AFR and Correct Cause |
| Actuator / Wastegate Set Incorrectly: | Diagnose/Correct Cause of Failure, Repair or Replace Turbocharger |
BLACK EXHAUST SMOKE (black indicates fuel)
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Restricted Air Outlet Duct from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as required |
| Restricted Inlet Manifold: | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Restriction |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak Between Inlet Manifold and Engine: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Foreign Object in Exhaust Manifold (from engine): | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Obstruction |
| Restricted Exhaust System (back-pressure): | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Exhaust Gas leak at Turbine Inlet / Exhaust Manifold Joint: | Replace Gasket or Tighten Fasteners as Required / Check Surfaces are Square |
| Fuel Injection Pump or Fuel Injectors Incorrectly Set: | Refer to OEM's’s Manual and Replace or Adjust Faulty Components as Required |
| Air / Fuel Ratio Incorrect: | Check AFR and Correct Cause |
| Ignition or Engine Vlave Timing Incorrect: | Refer OEM's Manual, Adjust Timing(s) as Required |
| Worn Engine Piston Rings, Bores or Liners: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Burnt Valves and/or Pistons: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
| Turbocharger Damaged: | Diagnose/Correct Cause of Failure, Repair or Replace Turbocharger as Required |
BLUE EXHAUST SMOKE (blue indicates oil)
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak Between Inlet Manifold and Engine: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Foreign Object in Exhaust Manifold (from engine): | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Obstruction |
| Restricted Turbocharger Oil Drain: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Restricted Engine Crankcase Breather: | Refer to OEM's Manual, Clear Restriction |
| Turbocharger Bearing Housing Sludged or Coked: | Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter, Overhaul or Replace Turbocharger |
| Worn Engine Piston Rings, Bores or Liners: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Burnt Valves and/or Pistons: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak Between Inlet Manifold and Engine: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Foreign Object in Exhaust Manifold (from engine): | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Obstruction |
| Restricted Turbocharger Oil Drain: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Restricted Engine Crankcase Breather: | Refer to OEM's Manual, Clear Restriction |
| Turbocharger Bearing Housing Sludged or Coked: | Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter, Overhaul or Replace Turbocharger |
| Worn Engine Piston Rings, Bores or Liners: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Burnt Valves and/or Pistons: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
| Turbocharger Damaged: | Diagnose/Correct Cause of Failure, Repair or Replace Turbocharger |
TURBOCHARGER NOISY
| Restricted Air Outlet Duct from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as required |
| Restricted Inlet Manifold: | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Restriction |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Air Cleaner to Compressor: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak in Air Supply from Compressor to Inlet Manifold: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Air Leak Between Inlet Manifold and Engine: | Replace Seals, Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Exhaust Manifold Cracked, Gaskets Blown or Missing: | Refer to OEM's Manual and Replace Gaskets or Damaged Parts as Required |
| Exhaust Gas leak at Turbine Inlet / Exhaust Manifold Joint: | Replace Gasket or Tighten Fasteners as Required / Check Surfaces are Square |
| Exhaust Gas Leak in Tubing after Turbine Outlet: | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Repair Leak |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
| Turbocharger Damaged: | Diagnose/Correct Cause of Failure, Repair or Replace Turbocharger |
| Leaking Actuator Hose: | Replace Hose and Clips |
| Actuator / Wastegate Set Incorrectly: | Contact OEM or Turbo Specialist for Correct Settings |
CYCLIC SOUND FROM TURBOCHARGER
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
OIL LEAKING FROM COMPRESSOR SIDE OF TURBOCHARGER
| Dirty Air Filter(s): | Clean or Replace Filter(s) according to OEM Recommendations |
| Restricted Compressor Air Inlet Duct: |
Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Foreign Object in Exhaust Manifold (from engine): | Refer to OEM’s Manual and Remove Obstruction |
| Restricted Exhaust System (back-pressure): | Refer OEM's Manual Replace Gaskets or Tighten Fasteners as Required |
| Restricted Turbocharger Oil Drain: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Restricted Engine Crankcase Breather: | Refer to OEM's Manual, Clear Restriction |
| Turbocharger Bearing Housing Sludged or Coked: | Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter, Overhaul or Replace Turbocharger |
| Worn Engine Piston Rings, Bores or Liners: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Burnt Valves and/or Pistons: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
| Turbocharger Damaged: | Diagnose/Correct Cause of Failure, Repair or Replace Turbocharger |
OIL LEAKING FROM TURBINE SIDE OF TURBOCHARGER
| Restricted Turbocharger Oil Drain: | Remove Restriction or Replace Damaged Parts as Required |
| Restricted Engine Crankcase Breather: | Refer to OEM's Manual, Clear Restriction |
| Turbocharger Bearing Housing Sludged or Coked: | Change Engine Oil and Oil Filter, Overhaul or Replace Turbocharger |
| Worn Engine Piston Rings, Bores or Liners: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Burnt Valves and/or Pistons: | Refer OEM's Manual and Repair as Required |
| Excessive Dirt Build-Up on Impeller and/or Diffuser Vanes: | Refer OEM's Turbo Manual and clean as directed |
| Turbocharger Damaged: | Diagnose/Correct Cause of Failure, Repair or Replace Turbocharger |
