Turbocharger: Testing and Inspection

SYSTEM INSPECTION
1. Test drive vehicle under heavy acceleration and listen for noise from turbocharger. Turbocharger should produce a smooth whistle under boost conditions. If any roughness is heard, proceed to TURBOCHARGER INSPECTION in this article.

Checking Boost Pressure:

2. Disconnect hose from wastegate actuator, and using enough hose to reach passenger compartment, connect pressure gauge to turbocharger fitting.
3. Test drive vehicle under heavy acceleration and observe gauge. Pressure should be 5 to 12 psi. If pressure was above desired results, proceed to WASTEGATE INSPECTION in this article. If recorded pressure was low, proceed to WASTEGATE INSPECTION and INTERCOOLER INSPECTION in this article.


UNIT INSPECTION




Refer to image.


OIL AND WATER TUBES




Check tubes for clogging.


ROTOR SHAFT




1. Check rotor shaft for smooth rotating.




2. Check rotor shaft for carbon deposits.




3. Measure runout of rotor shaft.
Runout (Total Indicator reading): 0.056 - 0.127 mm (0.0022 - 0.0050 in)





4. Measure end play of rotor shaft.
End play: 0.013 - 0.096 mm (0.0005 - 0.0038 In)


TURBINE WHEEL




Check turbine wheel for the following:
^ Oil
^ Carbon deposits
^ Deformed fins
^ Contact with turbine housing


COMPRESSOR WHEEL




Check compressor wheel for the following:
^ Oil
^ Deformed fins
^ Contact with compressor housing


WASTEGATE VALVE




Remove rod pin and check wastegate valve for cracks, deformation and smooth movement.

Check valve seat surface for smoothness.


WASTEGATE VALVE ACTUATOR




Apply air pressure to wastegate valve actuator and check it for smooth movement.
^ Do not keep applying air pressure to the actuator.
^ The air pressure should be in the range of 78 to 88 kPa (11 to 13 psi).