Turbo Chargers Maintenance

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TURBO CHARGERS

           The performance of a diesel engine especially in HA areas is directly proportionate to the quantity or air supplied in to the combustion chamber o f an engine. Turbo chargers are placed to boost the air intake. Since the turbo chargers are operated at high RPM (Appx 1,00,000 to 1,20,000 RPM) and most of them driven by exhaust hot gases, the proper maintenance of turbo chargers are very necessary at this time to achieve the optimum output from the engine.

        Most of the veh/eqpt/plants are directly handled by the drivers /Operators, now it is required to educate them about their modern veh/eqpt/plant against its proper operation and maintenance to achieve optimum output. In other hand new appointment of new drivers/operator should be selected from minimum education of 10+2 so that they can understand their advanced technique incorporated veh/eqpt/plants much more than the present driver/operators.   

        The following points are very simple but they are the main causes of the failure of a Turbo Charger, the vital part of the Engine.

                  (i)       Accumulation of foreign objects like dust/ sledge on the turbine fines and  

                  compressor housing due to air intake anywhere from direct atmosphere other than     

                  air cleaner.

                  (ii)       Formation of dirt in engine oil and high viscosity due to delay in replacement of 

                  oil  in due time.

       (iii)      Lack of engine oil /low oil level in sump / lub oil filter clogged.

       (iv)      Quick raising of engine on starting and immediate stopping the engine from high

       rpm.

   

      To overcome the above causes following points are recommended. Mind these are very simple, but will save life of turbo charger for a long period. So give attention on it.

                 (i)        Check thoroughly in the intake system for tightness of all hose pipes and ensure

                 the air cleaner placed properly with sealing.

                 (ii)        Replace perished rubber hoses and air cleaner element in time.

                 (iii)       Replacement of engine oil in due time with manufactures recommended oil or

                 rationalized oil along with engine oil filter.

                 (iv)       Check oil level in sump daily and top up if necessary.

                 (v)        Always start and stop engine on no load. Warm up engine in idle speed and then

                 gradually raise up. Never raise up engine immediately after start in any cost.

      (vi)       At 500 hours /18000Kms intervals produce a work order for inspection and 
      removal of the sledge deposition from the compressor housing of turbocharger.

                 (vii)      Educate drivers /Operators through training/ cross discussions etc.

                 (viii)     All maintenance task to be carried out in time with proper care.     

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