Investigate oil leak at turbine end of the Holset 4MF turbocharger on a coolant engine

Background

Bartech was called upon to investigate reports of a Holset turbocharger leaking lubrication oil into the turbine housing, causing the nuclear operator’s coolant engine, to consume excessive quantities of lubrication oil.

This involved the dismantling, cleaning and inspection of the turbocharger.
Upon arrival at Bartech premises, the turbocharger was given an initial visual inspection, before dismantling began.

With the core assembly removed evidence of small quantities of lubrication oil was found entering the turbine housing, this could only have originated from the core assembly.

The dismantling process should not have caused any leakage at this stage, as all seals and assemblies were still tight.

To confirm the origin of the oil the turbo was dismantled further. The compressor side of the turbo was dismantled first, this required the removal of the compressor wheel from the turbine shaft, extraction of the oil slinger and piston rings, oil deflector, thrust ring, spacers and thrust bearing.

No signs of leaks or evidence of damage to any component parts were observed.

Outcome

The turbine shaft and compressor wheel were sent for balancing. Upon its return, the turbocharger was rebuilt using a new overhaul kit, consisting of replacement
bearings, piston rings, O rings, circlips, lock nut and thrust bearing.

The replacement bearing retaining circlips and bearing bushes were lubricated and inserted into the bearing housing. New piston rings were mounted onto the
turbine shaft and installed, along with the turbine heat shield, into position in the bearing housing.

The turbine shaft and compressor wheel were sent for balancing. Upon its return, the turbocharger was rebuilt using a new overhaul kit, consisting of replacement
bearings, piston rings, O rings, circlips, lock nut and thrust bearing.

The replacement bearing retaining circlips and bearing bushes were lubricated and inserted into the bearing housing. New piston rings were mounted onto the
turbine shaft and installed, along with the turbine heat shield, into position in the bearing housing.

The thrust rings, spacer, oil deflector and thrust bearing were installed into the compressor side of the turbo. The oil slinger was fitted with new piston rings and inserted into the insert, this was pushed into position and a replacement circlip fitted to secure it in place.

The compressor wheel was installed and torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications, ensuring the balancing marks were carefully aligned.

To ensure the turbo was within the manufacturer’s tolerances the Axial Clearance and Radial Movement had to be measured. To allow this the bearing housing was mounted
into the turbine housing and torqued down. A Dial Test Indicator (DTI) was mounted and the specific readings were taken.

Axial Clearance = 0.003”
Radial Movement = 0.017”

These measurements were well within the manufacturer’s tolerances, allowing the testing of the piston oil seals to commence. The turbine housing was removed and the bearing
housing attached to a Governor Test Rig. 50 PSI of oil was passed through the lubrication oil delivery port and a visual inspection conducted to endure no oil was passing the
piston rings. The test was conducted for 2 minutes an no leaks were evident.

The turbine and compressor housings were then fitted, aligned with the original orientation marks, and the securing bolts torqued down. All orifices were covered to
prevent the ingress of dirt and the overhauled unit packaged for return to the customer.