Red Hot Turbochargers

thats normal in most set ups

well, I would agree with U that only on some engines it does happen but not on all engines.On Cummins it happens.Agreed?

What did <...Cummins...> say over the phone?

Have you checked the temp of the turbo housing against manufacturer's recommendations? Are there any air restrictions that could be causing additional heat build up? Is the generator in a building that would limit cool air entering the airflow? Could you add a additional air fan to help cool the turbo?

I agree with you Bob, another thing that may help is taking individual cylinder exhaust temperatures, if possible, as these can be extremely useful in faultfinding, as a matter of fact I find them one of the most valuable tools when trouble shooting diesel engines.

engine in question is a small 120mm diaX 12cyl Diesel where no such facility exists for measuring the individual exhausts.

Yes , if it is a 2stroke or 4stroke Marine engine or power plant engine I would have measured the individual exh temp .

Not a problem, use a high temperature IR thermometer..............you can get them up to 1 000⁰C for about US$350, and very accurate.

I have actually fitted exhaust pyrometers to smaller high speed diesel engines...............and V 12s, 16s, 18s and 20s have come with exhaust pyrometers fitted.............if purchasing a new engine(s), these can be specified.

One of the main reasons why engines are supplied with absolute minimal instrumentation and no hand or electrical pre-lub pumps, etc..............is simple............they do not want engines to last too long...........planned obsolescence.

No manuf reco reg the temp of the housing as such

Air flow from Induction filter to Turbo and then to the scavenge air cooler ensured

clear .

Gen set in a canopy of sufficient size and as per reco.

Cant think a fan will do any good to change the color of a red hot turbo housing

What was probably meant was exhaust outlet temp, rather than the housing temp.

Sounds completely normal to me.

Remember this and do let the diesel engine idle for at least 5 mintes after load is removed before shutting down. This gives the lube oil time to cool it down, if you don't do this, the bearings can get full of burnt oil!

Synthetic is better for any engine except where the manufacturer will not condone its usage, seldom.

A turbo will only go beyond exsesive heat in the case of poor lubrication, cooling, rpm. your turbo was properly sized by the manufacturer so this solves the rpm issue. cooling was also determined at the poorest of conditions by the manufacturer so this leaves lubrictaion, friction. It is far more likely that the bearings are worn than anything else. In this case the turbo needs to be replaced.

Cummins turbo technologies

It has been my experience with turbos that if bearing friction caused the turbo to get red hot I would not really want to be anywhere near it when it "let go"

Usually bearings would seize long before that IF the bearings were at fault.

? is the Diesel air mix too rich. Not getting enough air in compression? Turbo adjustment needed?

This problem would also manifest itself with black smoke.

Good point.

Thanks

that is a good question ,fuel inj pump and injectors removed ..calibrated and pressure tested and timing adjusted on engine.

Not getting enough air for comp? How is it possible as long as the air filter and scavenge air cooler is clean and clear.

Turbo adjustment needed ? Enlighten me on this aspect .How and where.?

Is there any difference when run without air filter in place?

No black smoke could indicate mixture lean enough?

Have you tried cleaning the turbocharger (insert and housing)? It doesn't matter how clean the fuel being used in the engine is, still there is always some fouling in the turbocharger. This fouling will eventually cause the turbocharger to run too slow, and the temperatures on the exhaust side of the engine will rise (before and after the T/C). Easiest way of monitoring if the revs of the T/C are still ok is by checking the air pressure (inlet air) after the turbocharger compressor. If this is dropping, speed is too low, normally caused by fouling.

turbocharger in question is a small Garret which runs at 150,000rpm and to remove this variable I have even replaced the turbo with a brand new one itself to no avail.

It is not because of the turbo but is a result of the engine condition.

I agree the speed of the turbo will decide the boost air pressure and reduction in speed by fouling will reduce air availability

In Line with Dutch sailors idea, would not a fouled exhaust line, after the turbo cause this fault? Check exhaust back pressure.

By the way UGK, you say you have no manufacturers data on exhaust temps but a check with an IR thermometer will show any discrepancies between cylinders.

I have the solution.

Just advance the fuel timing, it will reduce the Red Hot turbocharger problem. IN case your engine is old, the timing is 29 Degrees BTDC. On the fuel pump coupling, there are the degree markings, just looasen the bolts and advnce by 2 lines .. iT will resolve the problem . IF the problem persist, contact me on kbmahendra@gmail.com

Has your problem been solved? I have the same problem with the mwm 616 v16 engine