Turbo engines offer impressive power, but they come with significant maintenance responsibilities that many owners overlook. Niall Motormouth Jenkins shares crucial insights into the do's and don'ts of owning a turbocharged vehicle, emphasizing the importance of using premium fuel, proper oil changes, and the necessity of allowing the turbo to spool down before shutting off the engine. He warns that neglecting these aspects can lead to costly repairs and engine failures. With over 44 years of experience, Niall provides practical advice to help listeners maintain their vehicles effectively and avoid common pitfalls.
Turbo engines deliver incredible power from smaller engines- but they are not forgiving.
In this episode, we break down why turbocharged vehicles demand maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance - and what happens when owners treat them like disposable, five year throwaways.
You'll learn:
1) Why turbo engines require premium fuel and high-end oil
2) What "spooling down" a turbo actually means
3) How heat and tight tolerances shorten turbo life
4) Why skipping maintenance leads straight to turbo cartridge failure
5) And how one mistake can open a financial cavern that sucks every dollar out of your pocket
Turbo vehicles can be fantastic - if you respect them.
Ignore what the engineers designed them for, and you'll quickly meet the real cost of parts and labour.
This episode is for anyone considering - or already owning-a turbocharged vehicle who wants to avoid expensive regret.
Before you buy - or keep - a turbo vehicle, listen to this episode carefully. If this helped you, share it with someone shopping for "more power".
" You don't buy a turbo vehicle and skip maintenance ...unless you like pain"
More episodes and ...project details & links are available at Car Connection Business Network.com (ccbusnet.com) you'll find everything on our home page if you'd like to follow the build & repair work we do & connect with our program partners/sponsors click their logo and connect with them, Thank You! Grab some Motormouth merch, help those struggling with addictions to get to a Total Freedom Campus Canada & USA, where a new life awaits.
Tnx for Watching & Listening Friends. Happy Healthy Motoring, Nile Motormouth Jenkins,
"...it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler getting a second chance at life,..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle designed for off-road driving. Many people love it for its ability to handle rough terrains and its classic look.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and versatility. It's popular among off-road enthusiasts and has a strong following due to its classic design and capability.
"or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order,"
The Nissan Rogue is a type of SUV that is good for families and everyday driving. It has a lot of space inside and is known for being fuel-efficient.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV known for its spacious interior and fuel efficiency. It's popular among families and those seeking a versatile vehicle for daily use.
"...Licensed since 1988, I have my 310S for light truck and passenger vehicles,..."
The 310S is a special certification for mechanics that lets them work on cars and light trucks. It shows they have the right training to fix these vehicles.
The 310S is a certification in the automotive service industry that allows technicians to work on light trucks and passenger vehicles. It indicates a level of expertise in servicing these types of vehicles.
"...my 310T for diesels, highway trucks, 18-wheelers,..."
The 310T is a certification for mechanics that allows them to work on big trucks, especially those that run on diesel fuel. It means they have special training to fix these larger vehicles.
The 310T is a certification for automotive technicians that focuses on diesel engines, specifically for highway trucks and larger vehicles like 18-wheelers. It signifies specialized knowledge in servicing these heavy-duty vehicles.
"Well, I thought you'd ask. Turbos. Yeah, turbo engines. When we had the shop on the Hamilton Mountain..."
Turbo engines are designed to make cars more powerful without needing a bigger engine. They use a special device called a turbocharger to push more air into the engine, helping it run better and faster.
Turbo engines use a turbocharger to increase the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for more fuel to be burned, resulting in greater horsepower without significantly increasing engine size.
"... putting on the road, a brand new vehicle to me, 2008 Nissan Road. Most of you would say, oh, that's an old L..."
The Nissan 200 SX is a small, sporty car that was made a while ago and is known for being fun to drive. It's a good option for people who want a car that feels quick and nimble without spending a lot of money.
The Nissan 200 SX is a compact sports coupe that was produced in the 1990s, known for its lightweight design and sporty handling. It appealed to driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable and fun-to-drive vehicle.
"...continue to maintain it, like it's a fleet vehicle, and guess what?"
Fleet vehicles are cars that companies use for their business. They are usually well-maintained and can be a good deal when buying used.
A fleet vehicle is a car or truck that is owned or leased by a business or government agency rather than by an individual. These vehicles are often maintained rigorously and replaced on a regular schedule, which can make them a good value in the used car market.
"And I would say, Toyota Honda are pretty good, they're pretty solid."
Toyota is a car company famous for making cars that last a long time and don't break down often. Many people trust Toyota for their reliability.
Toyota is a well-known automotive brand recognized for producing reliable and durable vehicles. They have a reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs.
"And I would say, Toyota Honda are pretty good, they're pretty solid."
Honda is a car manufacturer that makes dependable cars. People often choose Honda because their vehicles tend to last a long time and require fewer repairs.
Honda is another reputable automotive brand known for its reliable and efficient vehicles. Like Toyota, Honda cars are often praised for their longevity and low repair costs.
"I talked about premium fuel, the difference between regular premium and ethanol. And what else?"
Premium fuel is a type of gasoline that burns more efficiently in some engines, helping them run better. It's usually more expensive than regular fuel.
Premium fuel typically has a higher octane rating than regular fuel, which can help prevent engine knocking and improve performance in high-compression engines. It's often recommended for performance vehicles or turbocharged engines.
"If you have, if you have a turbified engine and you have not read the owner's manual, you're already behind the eight ball."
A turbified engine is one that has a turbocharger. A turbocharger helps the engine produce more power by pushing more air into it, making the car faster and more efficient.
A turbified engine refers to an engine that is equipped with a turbocharger, which increases the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This technology is commonly used in high-performance vehicles to enhance acceleration and overall performance.
"Like you're working on a formula one engine. Yeah, you don't put regular gas in a F one race car."
Formula One is a type of car racing that features very fast and powerful cars. These cars are built with special technology and need specific fuel to run properly, unlike regular cars.
Formula One is a high-level international auto racing sport known for its fast cars and advanced engineering. The engines used in Formula One cars are highly specialized and require specific types of fuel to operate effectively.
"Yeah, you don't put regular gas in a F one race car. You just don't, you'll kill it."
Regular gas is the type of fuel that most cars use every day. It's not strong enough for high-performance cars like those used in racing, which need special fuel to work well.
Regular gas refers to the standard gasoline used in most everyday vehicles, which typically has a lower octane rating compared to racing fuels. Using regular gas in high-performance vehicles, like Formula One cars, can lead to engine damage and poor performance.
"...a lot of people were jumping into TDIs cause they thought they got like a hundred miles to gallon, no, they didn't."
TDI is a special kind of diesel engine made by Volkswagen that is designed to be very fuel-efficient. However, it needs a lot of care to keep it running well.
TDI stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, a type of diesel engine technology developed by Volkswagen. TDIs are known for their fuel efficiency and performance, but they also require regular maintenance and servicing.
Diesel is a type of fuel used in some cars and trucks. Diesel engines are usually more efficient but can be harder to take care of than regular gasoline engines.
Diesel refers to a type of fuel and the engines that use it. Diesel engines are known for their fuel efficiency and torque but can be more complex and require more maintenance than gasoline engines.
"Did you know that? Vehicles that are driven less fall into a category called severe service. How many of you know that?"
Severe service means that if you don't drive your car often or if you drive it under tough conditions, it will need more maintenance than a car that's used regularly and in normal conditions.
Severe service refers to a category of vehicle usage that requires more frequent maintenance due to harsh driving conditions or infrequent use. This can include factors like short trips, extreme temperatures, or infrequent driving, which can lead to increased wear and tear on the vehicle.
"A termified engine provides you a lot more horsepower because it's sucking air in, pressurizing it, jamming it into the engine, and what they're doing is,"
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and perform better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, specifically in relation to engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, and higher horsepower typically means better performance and speed.
"Yeah, highest octane you can feed that sucker, because if you don't, you're going to find out just how many teeth that turbo has..."
Octane is a rating that tells you how well a fuel can handle pressure without causing problems in the engine. Higher numbers mean better performance for powerful cars.
Octane is a measure of a fuel's ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. Higher octane fuels can withstand higher compression before igniting, which is crucial for high-performance engines, especially those with turbochargers.
"...you don't buy like a turbified Audi or Volkswagen and treat it like a domestic car. That's going to be a bad experience for you..."
Turbocharging is a way to make an engine more powerful without making it bigger. It uses a special device to push more air into the engine, helping it run better and faster.
Turbocharging is a technology that uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase an engine's efficiency and power output. It allows smaller engines to produce more power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
"...you don't buy like a turbified Audi or Volkswagen and treat it like a domestic car..."
Audi is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars. They are known for their high-tech features and performance.
Audi is a German automotive manufacturer known for its luxury vehicles and advanced technology, including all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. The brand is part of the Volkswagen Group and is recognized for its performance and engineering.
"You put the regular fuel in there, you're going to burn that turbo out."
Regular fuel is the type of gasoline most cars use, but some high-performance cars need a special kind of fuel to run properly. Using the wrong fuel can damage the engine.
Regular fuel typically refers to gasoline with an octane rating of 87, which is suitable for most non-performance vehicles. However, high-performance engines, especially those with turbochargers, often require higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking and ensure optimal performance.
"You don't spin that oil filter on Skippy empty. Because when the car starts up, the turbo is spinning at thousands and thousands of RPM and it requires motor oil to cool the bearings."
Pre-charging the oil filter means adding oil to it before putting it on the car. This way, when you start the engine, it gets oil right away instead of running dry for a moment, which can hurt the engine.
Pre-charging the oil filter involves filling it with oil before installation. This helps ensure that the engine receives oil immediately upon startup, preventing dry starts that can damage the engine components, especially in turbocharged engines.
"...Top grade motor oil, only what it calls for by the engineers..."
Motor oil is a liquid that keeps the engine running smoothly by reducing friction. It's important to use the type of oil that the car's manufacturer recommends.
Motor oil lubricates the engine's moving parts, reducing friction and wear. Using the correct grade of oil, as specified by the manufacturer, is essential for optimal engine performance and longevity.
"It's turning at thousands and thousands of RPM, a little tiny, what looks like an impeller on a house fan"
RPM means how many times something spins in one minute. In cars, higher RPMs usually mean the engine is working harder and producing more power.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and is a measure of how fast an engine or component is spinning. Higher RPMs generally indicate more power and performance from the engine.
"a little tiny, what looks like an impeller on a house fan inside, but it's designed to move air"
An impeller is a part inside the turbocharger that spins around to help push air into the engine. This extra air helps the engine run better and faster.
An impeller is a rotating component of a turbocharger that helps to compress air and increase its pressure before it enters the engine. It plays a crucial role in the turbocharging process, enhancing engine performance.
"inside, but it's designed to move air strategically into the engine under RPM."
A turbocharger is a part that helps the engine get more air, which lets it burn more fuel and go faster. It uses the exhaust from the engine to work.
A turbocharger is a device that forces extra air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and increasing the engine's power output. It utilizes exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which compresses the intake air.
"the bearings in the turbo shaft now are running still at thousands of RPM with no oil."
Bearings are parts that help other parts move smoothly without rubbing against each other too much. In a turbo, they help the spinning part turn easily.
Bearings are components that allow for smooth rotation between moving parts, reducing friction and wear. In a turbo, bearings support the turbo shaft and allow it to spin freely.
"...m Silver Sob 93, that's turbified. We have a new Beetle convertible that I put together as well and resc..."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks very different from most cars on the road. It's famous for its round shape and has been loved by many people for a long time because it's fun to drive and stands out.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine design. Originally launched in the 1930s, it became a symbol of the counterculture movement in the 1960s and has remained popular for its unique styling and fun driving experience.
"We have a new Beetle convertible that I put together as well and rescued it and that is a 1.8T, that's turbified."
1.8T is a type of engine that is 1.8 liters in size and has a turbo. It's designed to give good power while also being efficient on gas.
The 1.8T refers to a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine produced by Volkswagen. It's known for providing a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice in various Volkswagen and Audi models.
A 'turbified vehicle' is a car that has a turbocharger added to its engine. A turbocharger helps the engine produce more power without needing a bigger engine, making the car faster and more efficient.
A 'turbified vehicle' refers to a car that has been equipped with a turbocharger, which increases the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This modification can significantly enhance performance and efficiency.
"...urt. Lots of people bought a TDI, diesel-powered Jetta, and it killed the thing."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that many people like because it's comfortable and good on gas. There was a special version that used diesel fuel, which was supposed to save even more money, but it got into trouble for not meeting clean air rules.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that has been a popular choice for drivers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and practicality. The TDI diesel version gained attention for its fuel efficiency but faced controversy due to emissions scandals, impacting its reputation.
"You got double camshafts in there, twin camshafts, timing belts, tensioners, the whole nine yards."
Timing belts help keep the engine parts moving in sync. If they break, it can cause big problems for the engine.
Timing belts are crucial components in an engine that synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft, ensuring that the engine's valves open and close at the correct times. A failure can lead to severe engine damage.
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Good morning folks, you're tuned into Car Connection
where the coffee's strong, the stories are real,
and the wrenches never stop turning.
I'm your host, Niall Motormouth Jenkins,
coming to you from the Car Connection Workshop
where the smell of fresh oil, a little elbow grease
is all part of a balanced breakfast.
And around here, we don't just talk cars, we live them.
So whether it's a 25 year old Jeep Wrangler
getting a second chance at life,
or a Nissan Rogue getting its brakes back in order,
or perhaps a mystery leak
that's got everyone scratching their heads,
this is where we roll up our sleeves and get it done
with a little wit, a little wisdom, and a whole lot of fun.
The Car Connection isn't just about nuts, bolts,
and diagnostics, it's about connection.
Connection to our vehicles, to the people who drive them,
to the community that keeps Niag rolling
because when you fix a car, you're not just turning a wrench,
you're restoring someone's confidence, freedom,
and maybe even their sanity.
We're here Monday through Saturday
for you every single week, 8 a.m.
for the Motormouth Morning Drive,
helping you keep your ride safe, reliable,
and ready for whatever road lies ahead.
So whether you're a weekend wrencher,
a daily commuter, or someone who just wants to understand
what that strange rattle really means.
Welcome aboard, stick around for some shop talk,
expert advice, a few good laughs,
and maybe, maybe I'll spin off into a rabbit hole
with some kind of story that pops into my head
with all the years of being
in the automotive service industry.
Licensed since 1988, I have my 310S
for light truck and passenger vehicles,
my 310T for diesels, highway trucks, 18-wheelers,
the big guys, and also diesel-powered motor coaches,
you know, the big double-decker buses, that kind of thing.
Yeah, I don't think there's much I haven't fixed.
The weirdest thing I ever fixed was
a pine cone seed-shucking machine.
Yeah, what this machine would do
is you put the pine cones in there,
and it gets the seeds out of the branches
on that pine cone, I call them branches.
I don't know, you can't call them leaves,
but it gets the seeds out of them
so that they can make pine seedlings.
Who knew?
I didn't know, fixed it, and it was working.
Well, good morning, thank you for inviting me
into your house or into your car
wherever you catch your podcasts from.
Thank you for allowing us to step into your world,
and you're welcome, you can step into my world.
Yeah, step into my nightmare.
Come on in, the water's still warm, I'm just kidding.
If you're just going through the drive-thru,
get your cup of joe or your favorite morning breakfast,
liquid breakfast, whatever that is,
double-check your order always,
standard operating procedure for us,
and lock it down in your cup holder.
If you got a passenger today, a co-pilot,
give them the 16-pack of crayons,
a folded-up leaf bag to look like a laptop,
and take some notes this morning.
If you're not able to take notes,
we'll make it easy for you,
because the biggest drawer in our toolbox
is our website, carconnectionbusinessnetwork.com,
that's ccbusnet.com,
and we put all the descriptions
in all the information in the description boxes,
rather on our YouTube videos as well as this podcast
each and every morning, Monday through Saturday.
So how do you get there?
ccbusnet.com, real quick, short typing,
get to the homepage.
On our homepage, we'll find the logos
for all our program partners, recommended businesses,
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