Used Car Turbos
A turbo squeezes more air into the engine, so a small engine can make the power of a much bigger one. Most modern diesel cars have one, and many petrol cars do too. When a turbo fails, the car loses power and may smoke — and a used turbo can be the repair that makes sense. This page explains what to check and how to enquire.
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768What a turbo does
A turbo uses the exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which drives a compressor that forces extra air into the engine. More air means more fuel can be burned, which means more power from the same size of engine. It is why a 1.6-litre diesel can pull like a much larger car.
Turbos spin very fast — tens of thousands of revolutions a minute — and they run on the engine's oil for lubrication and cooling. That is why oil changes matter so much to a turbo: dirty or low oil is the most common reason a turbo wears out early.
Signs a turbo may need replacing
Turbo trouble usually shows up as lost power or a new noise. The signs are worth acting on quickly, because a failing turbo can shed debris into the engine if it is left too long.
- A whistling, whining or siren-like noise that rises with engine speed
- A clear loss of power, especially when accelerating
- Blue or grey smoke from the exhaust
- Oil leaking around the turbo or in the intake pipes
- The engine management light coming on with boost-related faults
What to check before buying a used turbo
Turbos are matched to the engine, so the part number is the first check. A turbo from the wrong engine may look the same and still not fit, or may not give the right boost.
- The part number matches the turbo on your car
- The shaft has no excessive play when moved by hand
- The turbine blades are straight and undamaged
- There is no heavy oil inside the compressor housing
- Your mechanic has confirmed the turbo will fit your engine
How to enquire about a used turbo
Give the registration, make, model and year of your car, and the part number from your existing turbo if you can read it. The part number is stamped on the turbo housing, and that number is what decides whether a used turbo is the right one.
Call 07961 404768, or send the details through the parts enquiry form. Say whether your car is petrol or diesel, and what the turbo is doing — whistling, smoking, or losing power — so the enquiry starts from the right place.
Frequently asked questions
What is a turbo?
A turbo is a small turbine driven by the exhaust gases, which forces extra air into the engine so more fuel can be burned and more power made. It lets a small engine make the power of a much bigger one, and it is fitted to most modern diesels and many petrol cars.
How do I know if my turbo is failing?
The usual signs are a whistling or siren-like noise that rises with engine speed, a clear loss of power, and blue or grey smoke from the exhaust. Oil around the turbo or in the intake pipes is another sign. Act on these quickly, as a failing turbo can damage the engine.
Will a used turbo fit my car?
Only if the part number matches, or your mechanic confirms it will fit. Turbos are matched to the engine, and a turbo from the wrong engine may look the same and still not fit or give the right boost. Give the part number when you enquire.
Does a turbo need oil?
Yes. A turbo runs on the engine's oil for lubrication and cooling, and it spins at tens of thousands of revolutions a minute. Dirty or low oil is the most common reason a turbo wears out early, so regular oil changes matter more on a turbo car than on most others.
What should I ask about a used turbo?
Ask for the part number on the turbo and whether it matches yours. Turbos are matched by number, and two that look the same can be different inside. Say what the old turbo is doing — whistling, smoking or losing power — and give the registration, so the number can be checked.
Related pages
Looking for a used turbo?
Call 07961 404768WhatsApp 07961 404768Autos Craft Ltd · 295 Cherrywood Rd, Birmingham B9 4UU, United Kingdom · Open 24 hours