Turbocharger: Description and Operation

Purpose:
The turbocharger is used to increase the amount of air that enters the cylinders. This increase allows a proportional increase in fuel to be injected into the cylinders resulting in increased power output, more complete combustion of fuel, and cooling of the cylinder heads, pistons, valves and exhaust gas. This cooling effect helps extend engine life.

Operation:

Turbocharger Components:

Heat energy and pressures in the engine exhaust gas are utilized to drive the turbine wheel.

Turbocharger And Cover Assembly:

Exhaust gas is directed to the turbocharger housing which acts as a nozzle to direct the exhaust gas flow to the turbine wheel blades which drive the shaft wheel assembly. Since the compressor wheel is attached directly to the shaft, it rotates at the same speed as the turbine wheel. Clean air from the air cleaner is drawn into the compressor housing and wheel where it is compressed and delivered through a crossover pipe to the engine air intake manifold and then into the cylinders.

Turbocharger Assembly:

The amount of air pressure rise and air volume delivered to the engine from the compressor outlet is regulated by a waste gate valve in the exhaust housing. this valve opens when the exhaust pressure reaches a predetermined amount and allows any additional exhaust to bypass the turbine wheel and limit the amount of air pressure (boost) delivered by the turbocharger.

Location:

Turbocharger Mounting:

The turbocharger is mounted to the right exhaust manifold.