How Often Do Turbochargers Need to Be Replaced?

Turbochargers are an important component in diesel engines, especially in heavy equipment such as excavators, tractors, and loaders. A turbocharger can significantly increase your engine's output, allowing your equipment to perform as well as it does its job. However, many equipment owners experience reduced turbocharger performance or even "underboost" issues. This will affect the power of heavy equipment and increase fuel consumption. So, how often does a turbocharger need to be replaced? If there is insufficient boost, how do we fix it? Next, MyMROmarts will explore these issues in detail to help you extend the life of your turbocharger.

 

How Often Do Turbochargers Need to Be Replaced?

A turbocharger's lifespan is determined by a number of factors. It typically relies on the quality of the turbocharger itself, the frequency of oil changes, and the operation of heavy machinery. A turbocharger's typical service life is between 100,000 and 150,000 kilometers. However, there are instances where the turbocharger's life will be prematurely shortened, particularly if the machinery is used at high speeds for an extended time or if maintenance is neglected.

 

When your heavy equipment often works under high load conditions, the turbocharger will wear faster. For example, an excavator working for a long time under heavy load, or a tractor frequently starting in a muddy environment, will cause the turbocharger to be damaged prematurely.

 

On the other hand, too much carbon deposits or oil stains inside the turbocharger, or a clogged air filter, will accelerate the aging of the turbocharger.

 

How to Fix Turbocharger Underboost?

Insufficient turbocharger boost is a common fault in heavy equipment. It mainly manifests itself in insufficient engine power, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption and other problems. There are many reasons for this situation. The following are some common causes and solutions.

 

1. Check whether the intake pipe is leaking

A leak in the intake pipe is one of the most common reasons why the turbocharger cannot achieve the ideal boost level. Insufficient turbocharger boost is usually caused by a leak somewhere in the intake system. Intake pipe leaks will reduce airflow, making Perkins engine turbocharger and other types of turbochargers unable to provide the required boost.

 

Check all intake pipes, hoses and joints connected to the turbocharger. This step is mainly to check whether these parts have cracks, looseness or aging.

 

2. Check the turbocharger and exhaust gas return valve

An exhaust gas return valve failure is one of the common reasons for insufficient boost in diesel engine turbochargers. The exhaust gas return valve controls the flow of exhaust gas to the turbocharger. Therefore, an exhaust gas return valve failure can also cause the turbocharger to malfunction.

 

Check whether the exhaust gas return valve is stuck or malfunctioning. Under normal circumstances, it should move freely at different speeds.

Check whether the turbine blades of the turbocharger are worn or have carbon deposits.

When the return valve is found to be stuck, clean or replace it. When the turbocharger's turbine blades are damaged, the entire turbocharger may need to be replaced.

 

3. Check if the air filter is clogged

A clogged air filter will restrict the airflow into the engine, which will reduce the efficiency of the turbocharger. For skid steer turbochargers, insufficient airflow will affect the performance of the engine.

 

Check if the air filter is dirty or damaged, and replace it with a new one in time. A good air filter can effectively filter the air and provide sufficient airflow to the turbocharger.

 

4. Check the oil pressure and lubrication system of the turbocharger

The turbocharger needs sufficient lubricating oil to maintain normal operation. Lack of lubricating oil or oil circuit blockage will lead to insufficient turbocharger boost.

 

Check whether the oil circuit of the turbocharger is unobstructed and whether the oil pressure is normal.

When the oil pressure is insufficient, check whether the oil pump and oil pipe are faulty.

 

5. Check the turbocharger control valve

A fault in the boost control valve will cause the turbocharger to be unable to properly regulate the boost pressure.

 

Use a diagnostic tool to check the signal response and electrical connections of the control valve.

If a problem is found with the control valve, the control valve needs to be repaired or replaced.

 

6. Check the exhaust system

When the exhaust system is blocked or damaged, it will also affect the exhaust flow of the turbocharger.

 

Check the exhaust system for blockage or damage, especially the catalytic converter and exhaust pipe.

This is done to find blocked or damaged parts in time and clean or replace the damaged parts as soon as possible.

 

7. Check the engine drive system

A damaged or loose belt can also cause the turbocharger to fail.

Check the condition of the timing chain or belt to ensure that their tension is normal. If the belt is found to be damaged, it should be replaced in time to ensure that it is installed correctly.

 

If you cannot solve the problem yourself, it is recommended to seek help from professional maintenance personnel.