Turbo Troubleshooting Guide

Engine lacks power Black exhaust smoke Excessive engine oil usage Blue exhaust smoke Turbocharger noisy Cyclic sound from Turbo Oil leak from compressor seal Oil leak from turbine seal
Possible Problems
Solutions
      Clogged air filter element Replace elements according to engine manufacturers recommendations
    Obstructed air intake duct to turbo compressor Remove obstruction or replace damaged parts as required
          Obstructed air outlet duct from compressor to intake manifold Remove obstruction or replace damaged parts as required
          Obstructed intake manifold Correct leak by replacing seals or tightening fasteners as required
              Air leak in duct from air cleaner to compressor Correct leak by replacing seals or tightening fasteners as required
      Air leak in duct from compressor to intake manifold Correct leak by replacing seals or tightening fasteners as required
      Air leak at intake manifold to engine joint Refer to engine manufacturers manual and replace gaskets or tighten fasteners as required
    Obstruction in exhaust manifold Refer to engine manufacturers manual and remove obstruction
          Obstruction in muffler or exhaust stack Remove obstruction or replace faulty components as required
        Gas leak in exhaust manifold to engine joint Refer to engine manufacturers manual and replace gaskets or tighten fasteners as required
        Gas leak in turbine inlet to exhaust manifold joint Replace gaskets or tighten fasteners as required
              Gas leak in ducting after the turbine outlet Refer to engine manufacturers manual and repair leak
        Obstructed turbocharger oil drain line Remove obstruction or replace line as required
        Obstructed engine crankcase vent Refer to engine manufacturers manual, clear obstruction
        Turbocharger center housing sludged or coked Change engine oil and oil filter, overhaul or replace turbo as required
            Fuel injection pump or fuel injectors incorrectly adjusted Refer to engine manufacturers manual - replace or adjust faulty component(s) as required
            Engine camshaft timing incorrect Refer to engine manufacturers manual and replace worn parts
    Worn engine piston rings or liners (blowby) Refer to engine manufacturers manual and repair engine as required
    Internal engine problem (valves, pistons) Refer to engine manufacturers manual and repair engine as required
Dirt caked on compressor wheel and/or diffuser vanes Clean using a Non-Caustic cleaner and soft brush. Find and correct source of unfiltered air and change engine oil and oil filter
Damaged turbocharger Analyze failed turbocharger, find and correct cause of failure, overhaul or replace turbocharger as required