Ok to most of you this will probably be a stupid question but I've never owned a turbo before so haven't got a clue. Since being on this forum I've learnt never to turn the engine off after using the turbo. I didn't know this when I bought my UK300 from new and I know for a fact that twice I'd switched off the engine pretty much straight away after coming off a motorway. Since finding out that this can cook the oil I've never done it since. As far as I can tell it hasn't caused any problem, but how do I know for sure? If I did damage the turbo would it of just packed up or is it something that can gradually take affect? My second service is due in January is there anyway the mechanic can take a look and tell me that everythings fine or not

 

Pete,
The problem with the heat soak on the turbo bearings and sealings, isnt just a case of cooking the oil. What you are trying to do is cool the turbo down gently, as fast cooling will cause items on the turbo to fail over time. Think along the lines of drinking a hot drink and then eating some ice cream. While the process of switching the engine off immediatley will not have quite a drastic effect, you get the picture.

Worn seals and bearings will result in the turbo blowing smoke out of the exhaust. The best way to check for this type of wear, is to run the engine up to operating temperature, and then whilst out of gear, rev the **** of the engine. No smoke from the exhaust, means keep your wallet in your pocket.

Regards,
Shaun.

 

But then again turbos on the whole seem pretty reliable things.

My old Uno Turbo was totally abused by me (i.e didn't bother with letting it cool down very often) and when I got rid of it at 103,000 miles the turbo still seemed in pretty good health.

Friend of mine has an Escort RS Turbo and that has done 140,000 miles and is still on the original turbo.

 

It's got a 3 years warranty doesn't it - just treat it like the bitch it is and cane it!!
I appreciate its pride and joy time for you but are you gonna keep it over 3 years?

 

Pete, it's very good practice to give it a minute to cool down gently after a run, but you won't have done any damage from the few times you didn't. Unlike the old-generation turbos fitted to Saab 99s etc, modern water-cooled turbos still get cooled by thermosiphon effect (i.e. the heat soak from the turbo circulates the coolant round the system, coolant doesn't just sit there and boil).

In fact a mate has a new generation 900 Talladega, and the owners manual is quite specific in stating that no special precautions are needed when switching off as the turbo continues to be cooled by thermosiphon.

However, for peace of mind, it's worth giving it a minute to idle or a couple of gentle miles before switching off.

 

Mental note made to not buy second-hand vehicle from Father_Jack

 

Oh bother - I've got one for sale on here too! Not a turbo tho..
Ahem.....

 

And there is no warning sticker on the MY01s like on my previous MY95. I guess that doesn't mean there is no problem but just that it's not a major problem