Common Causes of Foreign Object Damage
- Small particles entering through damaged hoses.
- If the air filter is damaged or faulty, or of low quality or missing, objects will be sucked into the air intake.
- Debris from a previous turbocharger failure.
- Broken engine components e.g. valves, or fragments of damaged piston, injector tips etc.
- Bolts, nuts, washers, rags or other items left in the intake pipe during servicing.
- Particles in the exhaust gas e.g. coke from poor combustion.
Signs of Foreign Object Damage
- Noise from the turbo during operation.
- Loss of performance.
- Damage to the compressor or turbine blades.
- Pitting around the compressor inlet.
- Damage to compressor or turbine blades.
Prevention
It's all about keeping your turbo clear of debris, even the most minute matter can cause serious issues.
- Make sure air hoses are clear from blockages and other loose objects.
- Check that air hoses are intact and in good working condition.
- Ensure the air filter is the correct one for the vehicle.
- Ensure no debris or engine fragments remain from the previous turbo failure.
- Using new gaskets helps to prevent the possibility of gasket breakup and ensure a perfect seal.
- Avoid operating the vehicle without the air intake connected to the turbocharger, as rags and other workshop items ca be sucked into the intake system. Note: This happens a lot
