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.