Function and technical context

The turbocharger is the component responsible for forcing a greater amount of air into the engine cylinders, increasing the intake pressure and thus allowing more efficient combustion and greater power output. It works within the intake and exhaust system of the marine diesel engine, harnessing the kinetic energy of the exhaust gases to drive the turbine and compress the inlet air. In Volvo Penta engines of the TD, TID, TAMD, TMD, AQD and THAMD series, the turbo is a critical element: its deterioration causes a notable loss of power, increased fuel consumption and the emission of black or blue smoke from the exhaust. Manufactured by SLP — Swedish Lorry Parts, a Swedish specialist with decades of experience in components for Volvo Penta engines, this turbocharger guarantees performance in line with engine specifications.

When to replace this part?

The most common symptoms of a turbocharger in poor condition include an obvious loss of engine thrust and response, the presence of excessive smoke from the exhaust pipe (black due to poor supercharging or blue due to oil consumption), abnormal metallic noises or whistling noises coming from the turbo, and in advanced cases, the presence of oil in the intake manifold. It is recommended to inspect the turbo at each seasonal inspection, checking the axial and radial play of the turbine shaft, the condition of the gaskets and the absence of oil leaks. Acting at the first symptoms prevents secondary damage to the cylinder head, injectors or the engine block itself, the repair of which involves a much higher cost than preventive replacement of the turbocharger.