As a new owner of an old (2001) truck, I'm still trying to make sure everything works like it should. The truck is strickly stock. I don't know how the turbo works and what I should be listening for. The truck seems to drive just fine, so I don't notice anything missing.

Is there some place to read an explanation of the operation of the turbo charger?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbocharger


short but good explanation

 

Welcome to the DTR!

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/turbo.htm

RJ

 

WHAT IS A TURBOCHARGER?

* A Turbocharger is a combination Turbine and Compressor joined by a common shaft.
* Super-hot exhaust gases from the engine pass through the Turbine, causing it (and the Compressor) to spin at high speeds.
* The Compressor draws air through the air cleaner, compresses and feeds it to the engine for mixing with fuel.
* The result of these events is greater volumes of air/fuel mixture entering the cylinders.
* The engine, as a direct result, delivers considerably more power and torque than an identical capacity engine taking in air at normal atmospheric pressure.

WHY TURBOCHARGERS NEED PROTECTION

* The waste gases which drive the Turbine come direct from the combustion chambers via the exhaust manifold at temperatures which can lift the Turbine to over 700oC.
* The Turbine spins at up to 100,000 rpm.
* The Turbo shaft and bearings and the oil which lubricates them must withstand these conditions on a daily basis for long periods at a time.
* At switch-off, Turbo temperature is high and lubrication to the bearings stops instantly.
* Unless special precautions are taken, this may result in thermal distortions, the varnishing of oil on the shaft and bearings and premature Turbo failure.

Optional Turbo Timers and oil coolers should be considered depending on the make and model of the vehicle and your intended use.

Info From: http://www.4wdworld.com.au/tipstricks/turbosys.htm

 

Thanks for the info.

Now I want to know what do I need to do to maintain this Turbo. I've read about letting the engine idle before shutdown to give the bearings a chance to cool. How long is that? If I'm just cruising around town, is this important?
Maybe it's only after towing a heavy load. Anyone know?

 

Have you any gauges? I shut mine off around 300-325F. If no gauges, a minute or two should be good unless you just came off the highway or were pulling something.

 

Go ahead and get some gauges, Boost, pyro, and Fuel press. I Usually wait until my pyro is around 350 degrees, before I shut it off. My road is slightly down hill so I pop it into neutral and coast about 500 feet before I hit the drive-way and that usually puts it down to about 350 by time im in the drive.

If Im pulling something heavy and get to my destination and its still hot on the pyro, I usually get out of the truck and stand by the exhaust and listen to it run while it cools (Gotta love a 5 inch straight exhaust)


Also if you change your own oil, Pre-fill the oil filter before you put it on. This way when you fire it up the turbo will have some oil. If you dont, I think it takes to long before oil can reach it. Good luck!