Years of experience has shown that the largest percentage of turbocharger failures are caused by lubrication problems such as restriction or lack of oil flow and foreign material in the oil. The second largest percentage is caused by foreign objects entering the compressor and/or turbine wheels. Good maintenance practices should be observed, particularly regarding air filtration and oil quality and filtration. Innovative Turbo Systems� recommends using a high grade synthetic oil in the correct viscosity and follow the vehicle manufacturers recommended oil and filter change intervals. Racing and/or severe applications needs more frequent intervals. These areas are important because of a turbochargers speed of operation. Proper operating procedures and preventive maintenance practices give good turbo service life and performance. Since lubrication is supplied by the engine on which the turbocharger is mounted, periodic maintenance in the usual sense is not required on a Innovative-type turbocharger, with the possible exception of occasional compressor stage cleaning.� For these reasons, preventive maintenance of a turbocharger consists primarily of ensuring that the integrity of the engine/charge air system is maintained and that the engine is not operated in a manner that is detrimental to the operation of the turbocharger and engine. The vehicle owner should be encouraged to observe the following precautions to ensure maximum turbocharger service life:

1. Operate the engine above idle only after normal engine oil pressure has been established. Revving the engine immediately after start-up can force the turbocharger to operate at maximum speed before the bearings can be adequately lubricated. A turbocharger running with insufficient lubrication can suffer some amount of bearing damage. Repeated occurrence may lead to premature turbocharger failure.
2. Take steps to reduce temperatures and speeds from their maximums before shutting the engine down. turbochargers operate at speeds and continuous temperatures that are higher than most other machines. When an engine is run at maximum power/torque output, turbocharger speeds and temperatures are also at maximum. Problems can be caused for the engine and more so for the turbocharger when the engine is shut off at this point. This may require operation at medium idle or at "light load" conditions while still maintaining full engine oil pressure and airflow over the cooling system. Following these guidelines will prevent prolonged turbocharger rotation without lubrication and the formation of carbon deposits that can form as residual oil is decomposed in the bearings and center housing (heat soak-back).
3. The turbocharger may need to be pre-oiled after an oil change or any service that involves oil draining. Crank the engine a few times before allowing it to start, then start the engine and allow it to idle for a period to establish full oil circulation and pressure before operating at higher rpm.
4. At low ambient temperatures, or whenever the vehicle has not been used for a long period, normal engine oil pressure and flow is affected. Under these conditions the engine should be started and allowed to idle for a few minutes before operating at a higher rpm.
5. Avoid long periods of engine idling. The combination of low-pressures in the turbine and compressor and low turbocharger shaft rotation speed may allow oil to seep past the seal into the turbine or the compressor. This will generally not harm the unit mechanically, but it may foul the wheel and cause slight smoking and a possible imbalance condition.