Overhauling Turbo Chargers for Diesel Mechanics
Overhauling Turbo Chargers for Diesel Mechanics
DIESEL MECHANIC
CODE: OT
OVERHAUL TURBO
CHARGERS
INDEX
The following elements are contained in this learning guide:
OBJECTIVE:
What you must do
A turbocharger.
There must not be any metallic contact between the turbine wheel and the turbine
housing.
There must not be any metallic contact between the compressor wheel and the
compressor housing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
A demonstration by a competent person, e.g. your Instructor.
Workshop Manual.
OT
NOTE:Before doing the practical work contained in this module, the learnermust study the
content of the above HIAC form again and then sign the statement below.
The above risks, which will be encountered in this module, are fully understood and will be
controlled during the practical work.
Date: _________________
First Published : March 2003
Created : 01 February 2003
Revision No: 002
Revised : March 2015
TRG 9
Owner : Learnership Department
Page 4 of 34
Diesel Mechanic: Module OT
- Mining Qualifications Authority - All rights reserved.
1. TURBO CHARGERS
ITEM/TASK: INTRODUCTION
DESCRIPTION:
As described in Module PDS, the main function of a turbo charger is to force more air into
the engine cylinders by compressing the air. This will allow the engine to effectively burn
more fuel and therefore produce more power.
The turbocharger consists of a turbine wheel and shaft, a compressor wheel, a centre
housing which serves to support the rotating assembly bearings, a turbine housing and a
compressor housing (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1
The turbine wheel is located in the turbine housing and is mounted on one end of the
turbine shaft (see Fig. 2 on next page). The compressor wheel is located in the
compressor housing and is mounted on the opposite end of the turbine wheel shaft to form
an integral rotating assembly (Fig. 2).
The rotating assembly consists of a turbine wheel and a shaft assembly, piston ring, thrust
spacer, compressor wheel and wheel retaining nut. The rotating assembly is supported on
a pressure lubricated bearing.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
2. OPERATION
ITEM/TASK: Operation
DESCRIPTION:
The turbocharger is mounted on the exhaust outlet flange of the engine exhaust manifold
When the engine is running, hot exhaust gases blow out through the open exhaust
valve ports and into the exhaust manifold.
The exhaust manifold and connecting tubing route these gases into the turbine
housing. Refer to Figure 4.
As the gases pass through the turbine housing, they strike the fins on the turbine
wheel. When engine load is high enough, there is enough exhaust gas flow to rapidly
spin the turbine wheel, Figure 4.
Since the turbine wheel is connected to the compressor wheel by the turbo shaft, the
compressor wheel rotates with the turbine. Compressor wheel rotation pulls air into
the compressor housing. Centrifugal force throws the spinning air outward.
This causes air to flow out of the turbocharger and into the engine cylinder under
pressure.
A turbocharger uses exhaust gas flow to spin a turbine wheel. The turbine wheel spins a
shaft and a compressor wheel.
The compressor wheel then pressurizes the air entering the engine for more power output.
(Fig. 4 next page).
Fig. 4
diesel engines are able to do the work of naturally aspirated larger capacity V8
engines.
Reduced engine noise—the turbine housing acts as a noise absorption unit for the
pulsating engine exhaust gases. So, too, does the compressor section help to
reduce pulsating intake noises in the intake manifold. As a result of these factors, a
turbocharged engine is generally quieter than a naturally aspirated unit, although a
characteristic whine is usually audible when the engine is under load or accelerating.
Better fuel economy—a turbocharged engine has a higher volumetric efficiency
than a naturally aspirated engine, giving more complete combustion of the fuel and
resulting in lower specific fuel consumption.
Reduced smoke output—Turbochargers supply a surplus amount of air during
medium- to high-speed operation, resulting in a much cleaner and efficient
combustion phase, which reduces smoke output considerably.
Fig. 5
DESCRIPTION:
The turbocharger lubricating oil is supplied under pressure through an external oil line
extending from the engine cylinder block to the top of the centre housing (see Fig. 6 on
next page).
Fig. 6
First Published : March 2003
Created : 01 February 2003
Revision No: 002
Revised : March 2015
TRG 9
Owner : Learnership Department
Page 11 of 34
Diesel Mechanic: Module OT
- Mining Qualifications Authority - All rights reserved.
4. TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER
ITEM/TASK: INTERCOOLERS
DESCRIPTION:
A turbocharger intercooler is an air-to-air heat exchanger that cools the air entering
the engine. It is a radiator-like device mounted at the pressure outlet of the
turbocharger (or supercharger). See Figure 7.
When you compress air, its temperature increases, since hot air contains less
energy-providing oxygen by volume, it will produce less power.
A cooler charge of air is denser and can be mixed with more fuel to increase
combustion and engine power.
Outside air flows over and cools the fins and tubes of the intercooler, as the air flows
through the inter-cooler, heat is removed.
Inter cooling or charge-air cooling is the process of cooling the heated compressed
air before it enters the engine cylinders.
In so doing, the air charge becomes denser, allowing additional fuel to be efficiently burned,
resulting in increased engine power and torque above that possible with a non-intercooled
turbocharged engine. Fig 7 shows typical air and exhaust gas temperatures for intercooled
and intercooled engines and non-intercooled engines.
Fig. 7
There are two types of intercoolers in current use, namely the air-to-water and the air-to-air
intercooler. Both are heat exchangers, devices that bring a hot medium (in this case, the
charge air) into close contact with a cooler medium (either water or air), allowing heat to be
conducted from the hot to the cold
Fig. 8
Water to Air Intercooler is one where the exchange of heat occurs between water and air.
Water is pumped through the intercooler so that the heat from your charge pipes is
transferred to the water. This type of set-up can be mounted anywhere, and just needs to
have water plumbed to it. Because of its requirement for the flow of water, this type of
intercooler requires a water pump, a reservoir, and a heat exchanger for the water mounted
somewhere that will receive good airflow.
flow across the fins of the heat exchanger thus cooling the charge air. A typical
system is shown in Fig 9 next page.
This type of intercooler can reduce charge-air temperature to as low as 15°C above
ambient air temperature. With charge-air temperatures. as low as this and under
pressure between 175— 189 kPa, it is possible to provide three times as much air
for combustion as is possible in a naturally aspirated engine. Air-to-air intercoolers
are used on mobile machines and are mounted in front of the engine radiator.
Fig. 9
5. TURBOCHARGER CONTROLS
DESCRIPTION:
In certain applications where fast acceleration is needed, engines are fitted with
large-capacity turbochargers that require a speed-control device.
This device, commonly referred to as a waste gate (WGT valve) (as shown in Fig
9.1), prevents the turbocharger from over-speeding and subsequently over-boosting
and damaging the engine.
On the other hand, the smaller turbochargers fitted to stationary engines or slow
moving diesel-powered equipment are self regulating in their maximum speed and
charge pressure by the design of the turbine and compressor.
Therefore it is essential that the turbocharger installed be matched to the engine and
performance requirements. Fig 9.1 shows a typical performance comparison
between a standard turbocharger and a turbocharger fitted with a waste gate.
The waste gate turbocharger, however, is of a higher output capacity and capable of
delivering sufficient charge air for complete combustion of the fuel during
acceleration as well as in high-torque situations.
As the engine speed and exhaust-gas energy increase, so the turbocharger speed
increases and the charge-air pressure rises. Without the waste gate, charge
pressure would continue to rise, with considerable risk to both the engine and the
turbocharger.
However, the increasing air pressure acts on the diaphragm in the waste gate until,
at a pre-determined pressure , the resulting force is sufficient to compress the spring
and open the exhaust bypass passage
This allows sufficient exhaust gas to bypass the turbine to prevent any further rise in
turbocharger speed and subsequent charge pressure
Fig. 9.1
Under full load, boost may become high enough to overcome the diaphragm spring
pressure. Manifold pressure compresses the spring and opens the waste gate valve.
This permits some of the exhaust gases to flow through the waste gate passage and
into the exhaust system. Less exhaust is left to spin the turbine. Boost pressure is
limited to a preset value. (Fig.9.2)
Fig. 9.2
6. ENGINE SHUTDOWN
DESCRIPTION:
Before a turbocharged diesel engine is shut down, the engine should be run at idle
speed for 3—4 minutes. This will allow the high-speed rotating assembly to slow
down, allow the engine operating temperature to normalise, and allow excessive
heat to be dissipated from the turbocharger
If a turbocharged engine is shut down while operating at high speeds or under load,
the turbocharger rotating assembly will continue to rotate for some time without oil
for essential lubrication and cooling.
Once the oil flow to the bearing housing stops, the heat in the shaft and housing is
sufficient to decompose the oil to form gums and varnish, leaving no lubricating
residue and causing premature wear to the rotating shaft, its support bearings and
the bearing housing.
7. TURBOCHARGER SERVICE
DESCRIPTION:
Being unlike any other component of the engine, turbochargers have the need for specific
service procedures. Further, because of the high operating temperatures and high
operating speeds, turbochargers are susceptible to heat cracking and unbalance to a
degree seldom seen in engine ancillary equipment.
8. ENGINE LUBRICATION
DESCRIPTION:
Although not specifically a turbocharger service item, it is of the utmost importance to
carry out regular oil and filter changes on turbocharged engines.
It is just as important to monitor engine oil pressure and the quality of engine oil
used. Turbocharged diesel engines should only operate on the lubricating oil
recommended by the engine manufacturer, which is usually of a different
classification from that required for naturally aspirated engines.
DESCRIPTION:
Many engine manufacturers and/or turbocharger manufacturers recommend periodic
disassembly, inspection and cleaning of the compressor housing and turbine.
A small deposit on the turbine wheel can seriously affect turbocharger performance
and should be removed. The usually recommended cleaning procedure is to use a
solvent and soft (not wire) brush, taking care to ensure that solvent does not enter
the turbocharger bearing housing.
In addition to inspecting for deposits, the components should also be inspected for
physical damage, paying particular attention to the turbine and compressor wheels
and housings.
DESCRIPTION:
Clean the exterior of the turbocharger with a non-caustic cleaning solvent. Mount the
unit on to a special fixture or in a vice as shown in Fig 10.
Before removing the housings use a scribing tool to mark the relative location of
compressor and turbine housings to the bearing housing.
Remove the clamp or bolts securing the compressor housing and lift off the housing.
Next remove the turbine housing clamp or bolts and lift the bearing housing clear of
the turbine housing.
Mount the bearing housing in an upright position in a special fixture or soft-jawed
vice as seen in Fig 10, making sure that the vice jaws grip the turbine wheel
extension nut only, and not the turbine fins.
Unscrew the locknut retaining the compressor wheel and lift the wheel off the turbine
shaft.
Fig. 10
With the compressor wheel removed, the turbine shaft can be removed from the
turbine end of the bearing housing.
Next remove the circlip or cap screws from the thrust assembly located at the
compressor end of the bearing housing, and, with a piece of wood doweling inserted
into the centre hole of the thrust assembly, lever the assembly out of the bearing
housing.
Remove the remainder of the thrust assembly and the two plain turbine shaft support
bearings and circlips.
Finally remove all piston ring seals from the turbine shaft and thrust assembly spacer
sleeves. The disassembled turbocharger is now ready for cleaning and inspection.
Clean all the parts in a solvent.
PRACTICE
Take the turbocharger and by referring to your notes and Workshop Manual, dismantle it.
Call your Instructor to check your work. When you have achieved the required standards,
ask him to sign you off and go on to the next section.
DATE : DATE :
SIGNATURE : SIGNATURE :
DESCRIPTION:
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 14
First Published : March 2003
Created : 01 February 2003
Revision No: 002
Revised : March 2015
TRG 9
Owner : Learnership Department
Page 24 of 34
Diesel Mechanic: Module OT
- Mining Qualifications Authority - All rights reserved.
Fig. 15
Check the width of the seal ring groove in front of the turbine wheel to ensure that
the groove has not worn oversize.
Inspect the compressor wheel blades for tip damage due to foreign objects or
rubbing on the compressor housing.
The wheel should also be checked for signs of rubbing between the underside of the
wheel and the bearing housing.
Any foreign object damage or wear marks on either the turbine or compressor
wheels will cause them to run out of balance, creating undue vibration and wear
within the turbocharger.
Check that the bore of the compressor wheel is of the correct size—it may be either
an interference fit or a slide fit onto the turbine shaft, depending on the type of
turbocharger.
Inspect the bearing journals for excessive scratches and wear. Measure the
journal with an outside micrometer and compare the sizes with the specifications in
the manual.
First Published : March 2003
Created : 01 February 2003
Revision No: 002
Revised : March 2015
TRG 9
Owner : Learnership Department
Page 25 of 34
Diesel Mechanic: Module OT
- Mining Qualifications Authority - All rights reserved.
Fig. 16
PRACTICE
Assess all the parts of the dismantled turbocharger and write down the names of all the
parts which must be replaced.
Call your Instructor to check your work. When you have achieved the required standards,
ask him to sign you off and go on to the next section
DATE : DATE :
SIGNATURE : SIGNATURE :
ITEM/TASK: Reassembly
DESCRIPTION:
When reassembling a turbocharger, cleanliness is vital to a long service life. All
piston-ring-type seals, ‘0’ rings, lock tabs, circlips and the compressor wheel retaining
nut should be automatically renewed, together with all other parts that require
replacement during the inspection period.
Throughout assembly, lubricate all rotating parts with clean engine oil. Install the
bearing retaining circlip (19) into the turbine end of the housing, taking care not to
scratch the bearing bore.
Fit the oil control sleeve (20) and the turbine end bearing (21) into the bore.
Install the two inner bearing retainer circlips (22, 15), and the compressor end bearing
(14) in the bore.
With the turbine wheel (16) mounted in a vice as shown in Fig .11, fit the piston ring
seals (17) into the oil ring grooves.
Install the turbine shaft (18) in the bearing housing (23) from the turbine end.
As the shaft is pushed into the housing, resistance will be felt as the
chamfered of the housing bore butts against the piston ring seals on the shaft.
Apply moderate pressure with a slight turning action to the turbine shaft, and the
chamfer will compress the piston ring seals and allow them to enter the housing.
Install the compressor wheel (2) on the turbine shaft. If it is an interference fit, it will
have to be heated in hot clean engine oil to expand it before sliding it onto the turbine
shaft. (Refer to the manual for correct oil temperature.) Secure the wheel with the
self- locking nut, tensioned to the required torque.
In order to check for correct running clearances of the rotating assembly, mount a dial
indicator onto the compressor end of the bearing housing and measure the axial
movement of the turbine shaft (refer to Fig 17). Reposition the dial indicator mounting
so the rotating assembly can be checked for radial clearance (Fig 17 next page).
First Published : March 2003
Created : 01 February 2003
Revision No: 002
Revised : March 2015
TRG 9
Owner : Learnership Department
Page 28 of 34
Diesel Mechanic: Module OT
- Mining Qualifications Authority - All rights reserved.
Fig. 17
Refer to the turbocharger specifications for correct turbine shaft clearances. Excessive
clearances must be corrected before proceeding further
Install a new ‘0’ ring (24) onto the bearing housing and fit the compressor housing, at
the same time aligning the assembly marks on both housings. Refit the ‘V clamp and
tighten.
Turn the turbocharger over and install the turbine housing, once again aligning the
Check that there is no metallic contact between the compressor wheel and the
compressor housing.
NB: Metallic contact between the moving and stationary parts is caused
by deformed or broken compressor blades, turbine blades, or
incorrect assembling of the turbocharger.
Check the radial movement of the shaft and compare the reading of the dial indicator
with the specifications given in the Workshop Manual (Fig. 17).
Fig. 18
DESCRIPTION:
When installing a turbocharger, you should:
Make sure the new turbo is the correct type. Compare part numbers.
Use new gaskets and seals.
Torque all fasteners to specifications.
If needed, change the engine oil and flush the oil lines before starting the engine.
If the failure was oil related, check the oil supply pressure in the feed line to the
turbocharger.
Fig. 19
DESCRIPTION:
An accurate method of gauging an engine’s performance output is by using test
gauges to measure certain aspects of engine operation (see Fig 20 next page).
A quick and accurate way of checking that the turbocharged engine’s output is in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications is to measure the charge-air
pressure in the intake manifold when the engine is operated under full load.
Fig. 20
Correct charge-air pressure is indicative of:
correct metering and delivery of fuel from the injection pump and injectors
acceptable compression pressures
correct injection timing
efficient turbocharger operation
unrestricted engine breathing.
Full load can be applied to an engine by loading it appropriately, care being taken to
ensure that damage is not caused to either the engine or the equipment being driven.
If the engine is installed in a piece of mobile equipment fitted with a torque converter,
full load can be applied by applying the brakes and stalling out the torque converter
with the transmission engaged in top gear.
The engine should be running at full throttle and rated engine speed during any stall
test.
Note: Do not run the engine under stall conditions for more than 30 seconds at one
time as serious overheating of the engine and torque converter will occur.
PRACTICE
Call your Instructor to check your work. When you have achieved the required standards,
ask him to sign you off.
DATE : DATE :
SIGNATURE : SIGNATURE :