Turbochargers operate under extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 1000°C. For this reason, their cooling and lubrication systems are crucial to ensuring long-term and efficient performance. Poor cooling can lead to one of the most dangerous phenomena – Oil Coking, where the oil overheats, loses its properties, and turns into carbon deposits and tar-like residues.
Oil Coking occurs when engine oil overheats at high temperatures, causing it to carbonize and turn into solid carbon residues. This typically happens in the turbo bearings and shaft areas, where the temperature is the highest.
Thermal Breakdown occurs when prolonged high temperatures cause the oil’s molecular structure to degrade, leading to loss of viscosity and lubrication properties.
Oil Oxidation is a process where prolonged exposure to oxygen and high temperatures causes chemical breakdown, leading to sludge formation and increased oil viscosity.
Hot Shutdown Damage occurs when an engine is shut down immediately after high load operation. Without proper cooldown time, residual oil can overheat, causing Oil Coking and mechanical damage to the turbocharger.
Proper turbocharger maintenance will not only reduce the risk of oil overheating but also ensure long-lasting and efficient engine performance.