
SEBU8219-01 125
Maintenance Section
Turbocharger - Inspect
NOTICE
Turbocharger b
earing failures can cause large quan-
tities of oil to enter the air inlet and exhaust systems.
Loss of engine lubricant can result in serious engine
damage.
Minor leakage of a turbocharger housing under ex-
tended low idl
e operation should not cause problems
as long as a turbocharger bearing failure has not oc-
curred.
When a turbocharger bearing failure is accompanied
by a significant engine performance loss (exhaust
smoke or engi
ne rpm up at no load), do not continue
engine operation until the turbocharger is repaired or
replaced.
An inspection of the turbocharger can minimize
unscheduled downtime. An inspection of the
turbocharger can also reduce the chance for potential
damage to other engine parts.
Note: Turbocharger components require precision
clearances. T he turbocharger cartridge must
be balanced due to high rpm. Severe Service
Applications can accelerate component wear.
Severe Service Applications require more frequent
inspections of the cartridge.
Remo val and Installation
For options regarding the removal, installation, repair
and replacement, consult your Caterpillar dealer.
Refer to the Service Manual for this engine for the
procedure and specifications.
Cleaning and Inspecting
1. Remove the exhaust outlet piping and remove
the air inlet piping from the turbocharger. Visually
inspect the piping for the presence of oil. Clean
the interior of the pipes in order to prevent dirt
from entering during reassembly.
2. Turn the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel
by hand. The assembly should turn freely. Inspect
the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel for
contact with the turbocharger housing. There
should not be any visible signs of contact between
the turbine wheel or compressor wheel and the
turbocharger housing. If there is any indication of
contact between the rotating turbine wheel or the
compressor wheel and the turbocharger housing,
the turbocharger must be reconditioned.
3. Check the compr
essor wheel for cleanliness.
If only the blade side of the wheel is dirty, dirt
and/or moisture is passing through the air filtering
system.Ifoil
is found only on the back side of the
wheel, there is a possibility of a failed turbocharger
oil seal.
The presence of oil may be the result of extended
engine operation at low idle. The presence of oil
mayalsobeth
e result of a restriction of the line for
the inlet air (plugged air filters), which causes the
turbocharger to slobber.
4. Use a dial indicator to check the end clearance
on the shaft. If the measured end play is greater
than the Ser
vice Manual specifications, the
turbocharger should be repaired or replaced.
An end play measurement that is less than the
minimum Ser
vice Manual specifications could
indicate carbon buildup on the turbine wheel. The
turbocharger should be disassembled for cleaning
and for ins
pection if the measured end play is less
than the minimum Service Manual specifications.
5. Inspect th
eboreoftheturbinehousingfor
corrosion.
6. Clean the
turbocharger housing with standard
shop solvents and a soft bristle brush.
7. Fasten th
e air inlet piping and the exhaust outlet
piping to the turbocharger housing.