SPRING 8R2534 - Caterpillar

G3606 (3XF),
G3608 (4WF),
G3612 (1YG),
G3616 (4CG) EnginesTurbocharger Inspection And Cleaning
The following criteria will be included in future Operation and Maintenance Manuals for all G3600 Engines. This article is advanced notification of the procedure and is a recommendation for all G3600 applications.
Turbocharger-Inspection
Periodic inspection and cleaning is recommended for the turbocharger compressor housing (inlet side). Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manuals for inspection intervals. Fouling of the compressor can contribute to loss of engine power and overall loss of engine efficiency. If the turbocharger fails during engine operation, damage to the turbocharger compressor wheel and/or the engine may occur. Damage to the turbocharger wheel could allow parts from the compressor wheel to enter an engine cylinder. This can cause additional damage to the aftercooler, the pistons, the valves, and the cylinder head.
Turbocharger bearing failures can cause large quantities of oil to enter the air inlet and exhaust systems. Loss of engine lubricant can result in serious engine damage. Minor leakage of a turbocharger housing under extended low idle operation should not cause problems as long as a turbocharger bearing failure has not occurred. When a turbocharger bearing failure is accompanied by a significant engine performance loss (increased exhaust smoke or increased engine rpm at no load), do not continue engine operation until the turbocharger is repaired or replaced.
An inspection of the turbocharger can minimize unscheduled downtime. Also, the chance for potential damage to other engine parts is reduced.
Turbocharger components require clearances that are precise. The turbocharger cartridge must be balanced due to high rpm.The following conditions can cause the turbocharger to be out-of-balance:* Deposit Buildup * Chipping and/or Flaking Of Deposits
If the turbocharger must be removed for inspection, follow these steps and use caution. Do not break deposits from the turbine wheel. Do not attempt to clean the turbine wheel.
1. Remove the exhaust outlet piping and the air inlet piping from the turbocharger. Visually inspect the piping for the presence of oil.2. Turn the compressor wheel and turbine wheel by hand. The assembly should turn freely. Inspect the compressor wheel and turbine wheel for contact with the turbocharger housing. There should not be any visible signs of contact between the turbine wheel or compressor wheel and the turbocharger housing. If there is any indication of contact between the turbine wheel or compressor wheel and the turbocharger housing, the turbocharger should be reconditioned.3. Check the compressor wheel for cleanliness. If only the blade side of the wheel is dirty, dirt and/or moisture is passing through the air filtering system. If oil is found only on the back side of the wheel, there is a possibility of a failed turbocharger oil seal. The presence of oil may be the result of extended engine operation at low idle. The presence of oil may also be the result of a restriction of the line for the inlet air (plugged air filters), which causes the turbocharger to leak. Deposits of ash and silicone can accumulate on the turbine wheel. The turbine wheel will become unbalanced