was curious if there is a specific process to clean the turbo? i was lookin around the parts store, and didnt see any products - which, i thought was odd, considering theres 5 or 6 different ones for ... oil , gas , coolant, trany leaks, etc...

is it even NECESSARY to clean a turbo?


96 854 turbo
95 854 T-5R

 

Hello Flamejet,

Greetings from Narita, Japan.

No, a turbocharger does not usually need cleaning. The turbine/compressor assembly is turning at approx 160,000-200,000 RPM, and there is not much of a chance for anything to accumulate as the centrifugal force is enormous and anything that comes into contact (other than hot exhaust/intake air which should have been cleaned by the air filter) will be thrown outward. However, it is recommended that you do after-idle for a few minutes (the owner's manual specifies 1-minute after hard driving), I personally let it idle for 3-5 minutes in summer, 2-3 minutes in winter. Also, the most important protection you can give a turbocharger is engine oil management. If the oil degrades due to neglected maintenance or if the oil level drops too low, the turbine/compressor bearings will be burnt. For a turbocharged engine, synthetic/synthetic-blend oil is highly recommended.

In the case of jet-powered airplanes, there is a cleaning process called "field cleaning". This is nothing more than spraying the compressor with a stream of water with the engine at idle.

I hope I've answered your question. If not, other members can help you understand better.

Good day,


JPN

 

you answered it, and added to it thank you

 

My pleasure!


JPN

 

Great answer JPN!