Service Maintenance and Repair ROI_October 2021

AROUND THE ENGINE

TURBO FAILURE - THE IMPORTANCE OF ASKING “WHY?”

TURBOCHARGERS - SALES OPPORTUNITY

Replacing a failed turbo is not just about how to remove and refit a replacement or what's wrong with it, it's arguably most important to ask why the turbo failed. Failure to ask this question can lead to a very expensive learning curve - disgruntled customers, unproductive workshop space and inevitably the question of who pays if the replacement turbo fails prematurely. The reason that asking “why?” is so important, especially where turbochargers are concerned, is the fact they rely on the engine being in good working order for its longevity. It is not just a bolt on standalone component such as an alternator or starter motor, it depends on the engine for lubrication, the integrity of the exhaust gasses to drive the impellor and the cleanliness of the intake air feeding the compressor.

The replacement Turbocharger market has grown significantly over the last few years, which is mainly due to the Global initiative to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy with nearly all Diesel and an increasing amount of Petrol vehicles being now fitted with a turbo as standard. With the increase of cars being fitted with turbos, so too comes an increase in failures. And with it, an opportunity for all garages to get into the replacement market. Most turbo failures are caused by the 3 ‘Turbo Killers’ of oil starvation, oil contamination and foreign object damage. More than 90% of turbocharger failures are caused oil related either by oil starvation or oil contamination. ■ Blocked or leaking pipes usually causes oil starvation. If a vehicle has been standing for long period of time, as many have during the pandemic, oil to drains away from the turbo and when the vehicle is started, there is little or no oil lubricating the turbo for a few seconds, which can cause damage to the bearings and ultimately turbo failure ■ Over a period, engine oil becomes contaminated with fine particles that build up from the combustion process and engine wear & tear and ultimately find their way to the turbo causing the bearings and shaft to wear prematurely and fail ■ Foreign object damage is when a piece of debris enters via the air intake system and impacts into the turbo impellor causing it to fail. LKQ Euro Car Parts can offer an extensive range of both new and remanufactured units for car and LCV applications, which come with a 2-year warranty. New Turbos ■ OE Units from leading turbo manufacturers – Garrett, Borg Warner, Mitsubishi, IHI and Continental. ■ Remanufactured turbos ■ These units represent a cost-effective solution for replacement units for cost conscious customer with an older vehicle ■ These units are remanufactured to the original specification using new parts and tested to meet original unit specification in terms of operational performance.

It is doubtful that a head gasket or cracked cylinder head would be replaced without consideration of reason: ■ Why is the cooling system faulty? ■ Are the surfaces warped? ■ Has a cylinder liner dropped? Clearly it is not possible or practical to ascertain the reason beyond doubt in every case, but in many cases obvious causes are often overlooked causing grief for all concerned. One such example: Peugeot 206/307/407 and Citroen Picasso with engine model DV6TED4 1.6HDI which has a habit

of blocking or restricting not only the turbo oil feed pipe, oil drainpipe and fittings with carbon but also the oil pump pick up strainer, which leads to premature failure due to oil starvation. Simply by noting the carbon build up in the oil feed pipe, fittings and the turbo inlet port would indicate that further investigation was needed before a replacement unit is fitted. Carbon deposits can be caused by short-distance driving, poor oil/ fuel grade, high mileage, service intervals too long and worn engine.

Turbojetzt is an LKQ Euro Car Parts brand. ■ Turbo Ancillaries ■ Oil feed pipes – it is recommended that these be replaced where possible when fitting a replacement turbo ■ Turbo Fitting Kits – these normally come with a replacement unit but are available separately for when a turbo is removed for another reason. Turbo and Intercooler Pipes Always check they are firmly fixed in place. Check for splits or tears and replace where necessary as the will affect the vehicles performance.