What is a foreign object and what causes it?

A foreign object is simply any object that enters the turbocharger through the air inlet or exhaust inlet. When a foreign object enters the turbocharger, its performance will be affected very quickly.

Signs of foreign object damage:

• Noise from the turbo during operation
• Loss of performance
• Chipping of compressor or turbine blades
• Pitting around the compressor inlet
• Pitting on the compressor blades

Causes of foreign object damage:

• Small particles entering through damaged hoses
• If the air filter is damaged (or faulty), of a low quality or missing, objects will be sucked into the air intake
• Debris from a previous turbocharger failure
• Broken engine components, e.g. valves or fragments of damaged piston, injector tips
• Bolts, nuts, washers, rags or other items left in the intake pipe during servicing

Preventing turbo failure caused by a foreign object:

• Make sure air hoses are clear from blockages and other loose objects
• Check that air hoses are intact and in good working condition
• Ensure the air filter is the correct one for the vehicle;
• Ensure no debris or engine fragments remain from the previous turbo failure
• Using new gaskets helps to prevent the possibility of gasket break up and also ensure a perfect seal
• Please note: Never continue to operate a turbocharger with damaged blades as the rotor balance will be affected and this could impact its service life.