Identify why the old turbocharger failed, if it did – miss the main cause and you will end up damaging the new turbo.
- Clean the turbo system well, including all hoses, intercooler and manifolds.
- The smallest bits of debris can cause a lot of damage to a turbocharger, so check the engine intake/exhaust and intercooler systems for cleanliness and obstructions, carefully removing oil, pieces of gasket, dust and dirt. An airline and vacuum cleaner could be used here.
- Check the exhaust mounting flange is flat and seals perfectly.
- Check that the manifold is not cracked or breaking up.
- Replace the air filter and oil filter with decent brands and use good quality oil.
- Check that the oil inlet and oil drain are clean and free from obstruction, carbon and sludge. Remove and clean them if necessary or, if they are damaged or blocked, replace with new.
- Replace the oil and filter, ensuring that high quality parts and oil are used. Don’t skimp here – not all filters and oil are the same!
- Check that the exhaust is not blocked or breaking up; check for blocked dpf filters and blocked catalytic convertors.
- Check for boost leaks.
- Mount the turbocharger on the exhaust flange, checking that the turbine inlet gasket fits correctly and does not leak boost pressure.
- Align the end housings with all other connections and ensure that all fastenings are tightened to the specified torque.
- Connect the cleaned or new oil drain pipe, do not use any instant gasket makers on the turbocharger connections.
- Fill the turbocharger oil feed hole with clean engine oil (a syringe is handy here) and rotate by hand before starting the engine.
- Connect all external fittings to the turbocharger.
- On older engines you can pull out the fuel stop solenoid wire off or pull the fuel pump fuse and crank the starter to build up the oil pressure. On modern engines, start and idle for two minutes, checking that the oil warning light has gone out.
- Check all air hoses and oil connections are tight and free from leakage, use soapy water to help find any suspect gas leaks.
- Tighten any fastenings as appropriate.
- Let the oil warm up before working the turbo hard.
- Drive your car gently for the last minute or two of every drive, and/or let the car idle afterwards for at least 60 seconds. By letting it run, the oil will continue to circulate and cool down the turbo.
- Do not blip the throttle or rev the engine before switching it off.
- Change the oil every 4500-5000 miles.
- Change down a gear to throttle up for a hill or to overtake, rather than putting your foot down in a lower gear.
If you’re uncertain about how to prevent turbo problems. Go to maxpeedingrods.com buy turbos, MaXpeedingRods usually includes special requirements of its turbo in the package’s instructions.
- Replace, repair or reconnect air cleaner element per manufacturer’s manual to avoid compressor wheel damage.
- Make sure the oil drain line is lower than the turbo itself.
- Gasoline car must install a water cooling device to avoid overheating.
- Ensure exhaust outlet are well sealed by welding.