Turbochargers... durability, reliability ?
Some years ago, turbochargers seemed to be considered service items, that may or may not last the engine life of the vehicle. We're thinking of getting a new midsize SUV, that will be able to do light...
Forum Discussion
Turbochargers are by far the simplest part of any engine. While they have to be machined and built to very precise specs, there's essentially only one moving part. The latest designs with variable vanes to control boost make that three moving parts. They have figured out how to do the machining and building, so modern turbos are one of the most reliable parts of the drive train.
As for the need to allow cool down, that still applies in that screaming into a rest area off the interstate you'll want to give it cool down time, but how often do you do that? Almost every time you drive anywhere, even if you take the freeway, you spend at least a couple minutes toodling down city streets and jockeying into a parking place, all of which puts no demand on the turbo and allows it to cool, so you will almost never encounter a need to do that cool down thing.
I've had three turbocharged vehicles since 2001, all with variable vane turbos. My bride and I have put over 400,000 miles on those cars and had exactly one issue: the oil line lubing the turbo bearings sprang a leak. In that time we've had our share of other issues. The turbos however have never posed any problem.
We have never done a several minute cool down except after the interstate rest area thing, and frankly that has never been inconvenient. Think about that a bit and you'll understand why.
I can highly recommend buying a turbo car or truck. The increased power and much higher fuel economy turbos bring to the table, in a nearly bulletproof part makes it no-brainer decision.
As for the need to allow cool down, that still applies in that screaming into a rest area off the interstate you'll want to give it cool down time, but how often do you do that? Almost every time you drive anywhere, even if you take the freeway, you spend at least a couple minutes toodling down city streets and jockeying into a parking place, all of which puts no demand on the turbo and allows it to cool, so you will almost never encounter a need to do that cool down thing.
I've had three turbocharged vehicles since 2001, all with variable vane turbos. My bride and I have put over 400,000 miles on those cars and had exactly one issue: the oil line lubing the turbo bearings sprang a leak. In that time we've had our share of other issues. The turbos however have never posed any problem.
We have never done a several minute cool down except after the interstate rest area thing, and frankly that has never been inconvenient. Think about that a bit and you'll understand why.
I can highly recommend buying a turbo car or truck. The increased power and much higher fuel economy turbos bring to the table, in a nearly bulletproof part makes it no-brainer decision.
