Turbo installation instructions

It is important to conduct a thorough diagnostic check of the engine system to determine if the “fault” is actually the turbocharger.

A lack of power, noisy operation, excessive smoke or oil consumption could result from a faulty fuel injection system, ECU or electrical problems, restricted or blocked air filter, a damaged exhaust system or a lubrication problem. If possible, check crankcase pressure according to the engine manufacturer’s specification.

A higher than normal crankcase pressure reading may lead to oil leakage from the turbo into the inlet and exhaust systems.

If the engine diagnostic check does not uncover any obvious cause, make sure that an extensive trouble shooting analysis is completed.

Key turbocharger areas for examination include foreign objects, lack of lubrication, oil contamination, over-speeding of the turbo and excessive temperature.

This is important because turbo damage can often be a symptom of an underlying problem rather than the cause itself. Our website has more detailed information on this subject – please click here to learn more.

Check the part number to ensure that it is the right one for the engine.

Installing the incorrect turbo to an engine may damage the turbo and/or the engine and will void the warranty. If in doubt, check with your Garrett by Honeywell Official Distributor.

It is important that during the whole installation process, you prevent dirt or debris from entering any part of the turbo.

Any dirt or debris entering the turbo may cause catastrophic damage due to the very high speed of operation (up to 300,000rpm).

Ensure that correct gaskets are used.

For example - the center hole of any gasket must be perfectly aligned with the center hole of the turbo flange. Some turbos use a threaded connector and no gasket. Some turbos use a “banjo fitting” with “banjo bolt”; in these cases, use new sealing gaskets/washers.

It is recommended that you use new air, oil and fuel filters and clean engine oil to the engine or vehicle maker’s specification.

When installing the new oil filter, if possible, fill it with clean, fresh engine oil. Also, if it is accessible, back-fill the pressure line from the oil pump to the filter. This is particularly important on high mileage engines, where the oil pressure line may empty during oil changes!

Before installing the turbo, ensure that all air hoses connected to the turbo are totally clean and show no sign of any damage.

The air filter and its housing must be completely clean and free from any debris.

Clean the engine breather system (Positive Crankcase Ventilation system) and ensure that it functions properly.

Any blockages or malfunction may cause high crankcase pressure and lead to oil leakage from the turbo into the inlet and exhaust systems.

Remove any old gasket material from the exhaust manifold and pipe.

The surfaces of the flange must be clean and have no damage. Then remove plastic or foam blanking plugs from the turbo.

Position the turbo onto manifold or engine block using the correct new gasket or O ring, and then reconnect the exhaust pipe.

Tighten all nuts and bolts.

Next, install oil drain line to the turbocharger.

Pour new engine oil into the oil inlet hole of the turbocharger.

Next, fit the new oil feed line.

Install inlet and outlet air hoses to turbocharger compressor housing.

Make sure that the connections are airtight and hose clamps are correctly tightened.

Crank the engine for 10 - 15 seconds without starting the engine.

If possible, disable the fuelling/ignition or use compression test mode to allow this. This helps to prime the oil feed to the turbocharger by filling the oil pressure lines, oil filter and turbo with oil before start-up.

Then start the engine, and let it idle for 3 to 4 minutes to allow for proper inspection of oil, gas and air leakage.

If any leakage is detected during engine start up, fix the issue immediately.

Stop the engine and re-check engine oil level.

Oil level should be between the minimum and maximum mark on the dipstick – it is important to make sure that oil level is not above the point where turbo oil drain pipe connects to the engine or this may lead to oil leakage from the turbo into the inlet and exhaust systems.