How does a Turbocharger get lubricated............


sudeepd

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Hi,

      A Vehicle fitted with A Turbocharger should be run at idle rpm for 30 seconds after starting and before stopping the engine.

       My questions 

      1. "How does the Turbocharger get lubricated after starting and before stopping the engine?". Who tells the Turbocharger to lubricate itself?

  

      2. Does the turbocharger get lubricated only when the vehicle is at rest and in  Neutral Gear? If suppose the vehicle is in Neutral Gear but in motion, then will Turbocharger get lubricated?
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a turbo fully relies on its bearings and not any lubricant.

 

I think you dont own a turbocharged vehicle and you havent read about it in the Owner's Manual of Turbocharged Vehicle either.

 

In the owner's manual (and also on the inner side of Driver's door) of Tata Indigo, it is clearly mentioned that "Note: Turbocharged Engine. Please run the engine at idle for 30 seconds after starting the engine and also before stopping the engine to allow the Turbocharger to get lubricated with Engine Oil.

 

Dont you know that Turbocharger Spins at more than 1,00,000 rpm i.e., 1 lakh rpm? Hence lubrication is required to avoid damage to Turbocharger.

The lubrication allows the Turbocharger to COOL DOWN.

 

 

 

Does Anyone have CORRECT answers to my Questions?

 

Sudeep.
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Initially all engines rely on the residual film of oil left on the surface for lubrication. This is why you need about 30 sec for full oil circulation to become effective. When you rev after this time the oil is there in proper flow.

On stopping the reason for waiting for 30 seconds has more to do with cooling down the turbo (again by the oil). Most people do not realise that one of the functions of the oil in any engine is cooling. Many people do not realise that turbo response is fast so you do not need 30 sec. to allow it to slow down! If you did then the turbo log will be phenomenal.

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Many people do not realise that turbo response is fast so you do not need 30 sec. to allow it to slow down! If you did then the turbo log will be phenomenal.

 

Please explain in simpler language. I did not get you. Do you mean it is not necessary to run the turbocharged engine for 30 seconds at idle rpm?
sudeepd2008-07-31 09:31:57
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@sgiitk

 

Please answer my questions 

      1. "How does the Turbocharger get lubricated after starting and before stopping the engine?". Who tells the Turbocharger to lubricate itself?

  

      2. Does the turbocharger get lubricated only when the vehicle is at rest and in  Neutral Gear? If suppose the vehicle is in Neutral Gear but in motion, then will Turbocharger get lubricated?

 

 

Or atleast someone give me a link where I can get correct answers to my questions.

 

Bye.
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Please answer my questions 

      1. "How does the Turbocharger get lubricated after starting and before stopping the engine?". Who tells the Turbocharger to lubricate itself?

The mechanical oil pump used for the crank etc. also has a line running to the turbo' date=' so the lubrication is the same way as for the engine.

      2. Does the turbocharger get lubricated only when the

vehicle is at rest and in  Neutral Gear? If suppose the vehicle is in

Neutral Gear but in motion, then will Turbocharger get lubricated?

No. It will not be long in the world unless it is lubed continuously. So as long as your engine is running the turbine is also being lubricated.

At 'startup' you wait for some time for the oil to go into circulation. Remember the oil may be cold (more viscous) and takes some time. At 'stopping' you allow the oil to drain off some of the heat from the turbine, before switching off. This also ensures that the film is there for the next start.

This is what I had stated in my earlier post.

sgiitk2008-07-31 10:31:52

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Very nicely explained. Thanks SG

 

But another question comes to mind. When turbo is spinning constantly at all engine speeds, right from start, then why the turbo power does not take effect at less than 1800-2000 rpm. Why the turbo lag?
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see,at slow engine speeds,the amount of exhaust gases and even their velocity is low to run the turbo.So once the velocity and volume increases beyond a level,the turbo works very well.

Technically speaking,once the energy of the exhaust gases overcomes the inertia of the turbine,it is said to have overcome lag..this happens only after a certain speed is reached

www.indianautosblog.com

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At 'stopping' you allow the oil to drain off some of the heat from the turbine' date=' before switching off. This also ensures that the film is there for the next start.

[/quote']

Now please answer this question=

Before stopping the engine, If suppose the vehicle is in Neutral Gear but in motion, then can I turn off the engine after travelling some distance?

 Or should I run the engine at rest for 30 seconds before turning off the engine?
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