Common Turbo Problems

Engine lacks power Black exhaust smoke Excessive engine oil consumption Blue exhaust smoke Noisy turbo Cyclic sound from turbo Oil leak from compressor seal Oil leak from turbo seal Cause
X X X X     X   Clogged air filter element
  X X X X X X   Obstructed air intake duct to turbo compressor
X X     X       Obstructed air outlet duct from compressor to intake manifold
X X     X       Obstructed intake manifold
        X       Air leak in duct from air cleaner to compressor
X X X X X       Air leak in duct from compressor to intake manifold
X X X X X       Air leak at intake manifold to engine joint
X X X X X   X   Obstruction in exhaust manifold
X X         X   Obstruction in exhaust system
X X     X   X   Gas leak in exhausr manifold to engine joint 
X X     X   X   Gas leak in turbine inlet to exhaust manifold joint
        X       Gas leak in ducting after the turbine outlet
    X X     X X Obstructed turbo oil drain line
    X X     X X Obstructed engine crankcase vent
  X X       X X Turbo center housing sludged or coked
X X             Fuel injection pump or fuel injectors incorrectly adjusted
X X             Engine camshaft timing incorrect
X X X X     X X Worn engine piston rings or liners (blowby)
X X X X     X X Internal engine problem (valves, pistons)
X X X X X X X X Dirt caked on compressor wheel and/or diffuser vanes
X X X X X X X X Damaged turbo