The Dangers of Driving a Diesel Car with a Broken Turbo

Diesel engines are known for their efficiency and reliability, but like any mechanical system, they can falter under certain conditions. One such condition is driving a diesel car with a broken turbocharger. This article will explore the impact of such an issue and offer insights into how it can be identified and addressed.

Immediate Negative Effects

When a turbocharger in a diesel car fails, the engine's performance drops dramatically. You may notice a significant loss in power and a zero reading on the boost gauge. This is a clear indication that the turbo isn't performing as it should. Additionally, the fuel efficiency of the car is likely to decrease, leading to higher fuel consumption and associated costs.

Quick and Potentially Catastrophic Failure

As experienced in a personal encounter, a turbocharger failure can be sudden and severe. In my 1.4HDi Peugeot 207, a perished 'O' ring caused the turbo to seize, leading to a significant loss of engine power with no warning. The engine appeared to run normally without any fault lights, highlighting the importance of this type of issue. Prompt action was necessary to remove the faulty 'O' ring and replace it, restoring the vehicle to normal operation.

Risk Factors in Turbocharger Failure

Typically, when a turbocharger fails, fragments can travel to the intercooler or into the engine cylinders, causing extensive damage. The oil from the engine may also spill into the exhaust gases, leading to oil loss and potential engine damage. Immediate attention is required to prevent further harm.

Types of Turbocharger Failures

Turbochargers are complex components with various types of failures, each with its own set of risks:

Seized Turbocharger: When the turbocharger fails but doesn't break apart, the engine may lose about 50% of its power. Engine oil can still flow to the exhaust gases, posing a risk to the engine. Partially Broken Turbocharger: If parts of the turbocharger break off, they can enter the engine cylinders, causing catastrophic damage. Rotating Assembly Failure: The most severe failure involves the rotating assembly, which can spin at speeds up to 100,000 rpm. If the bearings fail, the turbocharger can come to a sudden stop, releasing a significant amount of energy that can cause a powerful explosion within the engine. This is why turbochargers are designed to contain such failures.

Technological Considerations for Future Vehicles

Given the risks associated with turbocharger failures, one might consider avoiding such components when purchasing a new car. However, the decision to forgo a turbocharger should be made carefully, as they play a crucial role in diesel engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, driving a diesel car with a broken turbocharger can result in immediate and severe damage to the engine, often without warning. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures can help mitigate these issues. Whether it's addressing a perished 'O' ring or considering alternative engine designs, the safety and reliability of modern diesel vehicles should be a priority.