About Used Turbochargers
A turbocharger uses exhaust energy to force more air into the engine for a big jump in power. When the bearing wears or it starts passing oil, a sound used unit restores boost without the price of new.
What a Turbocharger Does
The turbocharger uses exhaust flow to spin a turbine, which drives a compressor that packs more air into the engine. That extra air lets the engine burn more fuel and make more power than its size would otherwise allow.
Signs Your Turbocharger Is Failing
- Blue smoke from oil leaking past worn turbo seals
- A loss of boost and power, or a whine or whistle that was not there before
- Play in the shaft when you wiggle the compressor wheel
- A stuck wastegate or variable-vane mechanism causing over or under boost
What to Check When Buying a Used Turbocharger
- Check the shaft for excessive in-and-out and side-to-side play
- Inspect the compressor and turbine wheels for chips or contact damage
- Look for heavy oil in either housing, a sign of seal wear
- Confirm the wastegate or variable-vane actuator moves, and that it is the correct unit for your engine
Common Applications
Turbochargers are standard on diesel trucks and increasingly common on small gas engines. Diesel turbos in particular are a wear item, and both gas and diesel units can suffer bearing or seal wear over time.
Related Parts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a turbocharger is worn out?
Blue smoke from burning oil, lost boost and power, an unusual whine, and shaft play when you move the compressor wheel all point to a tired turbo. Oil pooled in the housings is another sign.
Is shaft play always bad?
A tiny bit of movement is normal, but noticeable in-and-out play or a wheel that touches the housing means the bearing is worn. That is the main thing to check on a used unit.
What is a variable-vane turbo?
Many modern turbos, especially diesels, use movable vanes to tailor boost across the rev range. If the vanes stick from soot or wear, boost control suffers, so confirm the mechanism moves freely.
Do turbochargers interchange?
Only the correct turbo for your engine will bolt up and produce the right boost. Sizing, mounting, and controls are matched to the engine, so use the specific unit for your application.
