Lubrication System

Turbocharger Lubrication System:

The turbocharger is lubricated by engine oil. Because the turbocharger can operate at speeds up to 180,000 rpm, lubrication of the full-floating type bearings supporting the shaft is extremely important for cooling and friction reduction. As with any engine, turbo or non-turbo, accelerating the engine to top end rpm immediately after starting can damage the engine and/or turbocharger. In the same respect, immediately shutting down an engine that has been operating at top end rpm for an extended period of time can damage the engine and/or turbocharger.

Turbocharger oil pressure is obtained through a banjo fitting on the rear side of the engine. Oil pressure is supplied to the turbocharger through an oil feed line. Oil enters the turbocharger through an inlet fitting in the center housing. The center housing bearings are lubricated through oil passages which direct oil to the bearing housings. The center housing bearings are cooled by the engine coolant supplied from the engine block and coolant is returned to the block. Bearings are drilled to improve oil circulation. Lip ring seals are used on both the turbine and compressor wheel shaft ends to prevent engine oil leakage into the turbine wheel and compressor wheel housing. Oil drains from the turbocharger through a return hole in the center housing. Oil returns to the engine through an oil return line attached to the engine block.