
TURBO
CARE
turbo failure series
Foreign Object Damage
A foreign object is simply any object that enters the turbocharger through the air inlet or exhaust inlet. When a foreign object enters the turbocharger, it’s performance will be affected.
Cause 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 a damaged piston, injector tips.
- 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.
- Ice in low temperatures.

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.
Prevention of foreign object damage
- 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 break up and ensure a perfect seal.
- Avoid operating the vehicle without the air intake connected to the turbocharger, as rags and other workshop items can be sucked into the intake system.