Service Tip For Garages: If The Turbocharger Is Defective, Replace The Charger Intercooler!

SCHWÄBISCH HALL, GERMANY – November 19, 2008: Since the year 2000, the number of turbocharged vehicles in Western Europe has more than doubled. And the growing trend continues. There are many reasons for this: Turbo engines are a convincing choice thanks to low fuel consumption, improved engine efficiency, optimised exhaust emissions and a reduction of the thermal load on the engine. In addition, power increases over the entire engine-speed range can be achieved by this means. As a consequence of the increasing market penetration, independent garages can expect growing repair and service requirements. In connection with this, the experts from Behr Hella Service point out that in the event of mechanical damage to the turbocharger, the charger intercooler should be replaced as well. It cools down the 150-degree-celsius hot air compressed by the turbocharger before it reaches the combustion chamber of the engine.

The cooling takes place via the ambient air (air flow) or the engine coolant. If mechanical damage to the turbocharger now occurs, it is not uncommon for the charger intercooler to be affected as well, such as due to the ingress of metal chippings. If these become detached and are sucked in by the engine, engine damage with serious consequences may result. Flushing or cleaning of the charger intercooler is, in the opinion of the experts from Behr Hella Service, advisable only if, for example, oil has collected there as a result of a compressor leak. In the event of mechanical damage to the turbocharger and subsequent cleaning, there is however the risk that not all chippings can be removed from the charger intercooler. Also, for example, charger intercoolers with turbulence inserts cannot be flushed or cleaned due to design reasons. In order to avoid further damage, the charger intercooler should therefore be replaced.