The Effects of Turbochargers and Gasoline Direct Injection

These increasingly common features of modern engines heighten power and efficiency, but also present serious challenges to motor oil.

The push toward smaller, fuelefficient, yet powerful engines has driven the development of several key technologies. Gasoline direct injection (GDI) and turbochargers are now common features of passenger cars and light trucks. By 2020, industry experts predict that nearly every new vehicle will feature GDI technology, and the vast majority will be turbocharged (TDGI). While these advanced technologies enhance performance, they also present serious challenges to motor oil.

Turbochargers: Bringing The Heat

An engine is essentially an air pump, and the more air it ingests, the more fuel it can burn – and the more power it can produce. Turbocharging has emerged as the favored choice of automakers to increase the amount of air their engines take in. Unfortunately, extreme temperatures come along with the increased power.

As shown in the diagram, exhaust gases commonly exceeding 1,000ºF spin a turbine which drives the compressor that draws ambient air used to pressurize the combustion chamber. The added oxygen combined with direct injection and advanced engine tuning helps the engine burn fuel more efficiently, boosting fuel economy. It also allows the engine to burn more fuel for increased power. Motorists enjoy the performance and fuel economy they demand, while automakers meet increasingly strict CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements.

While it seems like a win-win situation, it’s the motor oil that gets the short end of the stick. The turbo’s center section contains an oil-lubricated bearing. The tremendous heat and stress turbos create can cause some oils to break down and form harmful bearing deposits, known as turbo coking. Over time, turbos can suffer reduced performance or fail altogether.

GDI & Fuel Dilution

Gasoline direct injection delivers accurate and rapid distribution of atomized gasoline. While traditional fuel-injection systems spray fuel into a manifold, GDI systems locate the injectors in the combustion chamber, which enables much more control over the amount of fuel injected and timing of fuel injection, improving combustion efficiency. Spraying the fuel directly into the chamber also provides in cylinder cooling, which helps allow higher compression ratios, increasing efficiency. GDI engines use a mixture of 40 parts (or more) air to one part fuel during light loading, while traditional gasoline engines use a mixture close to 14.7 parts air to one part fuel. The 40:1 ratio means less fuel is burned during combustion, resulting in better fuel economy.

The major side-effect of this technology is the increased risk of fuel dilution. As fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber, it can wash past the rings and down the cylinder walls, into the oil sump. Fuel dilution can cause a number of problems:

  • Reduced oil viscosity interferes with formation of a durable lubricating film, inviting wear. Combustion-zone parts are especially prone to wear, including the pistons, rings and liners. Reduced viscosity also negatively affects the oil’s ability to function as a hydraulic fluid, which is critical in engines with variable valve timing.
  • Fuel can wash oil from the cylinder wall, causing higher rates of ring, piston and cylinder wear.
  • Reduced effectiveness of detergency additives limits the oil’s ability to guard against deposits.
  • Increased oil volatility results in higher oil consumption, requiring more frequent top-offs.
  • Accelerated oxidation reduces the oil’s service life and requires more frequent oil changes.

You need an oil designed for these specific issues! Not one which they later went back to adjust additive levels. 

Maximum Protection

Advanced automotive technology, including turbochargers and gasoline direct injection, requires high-quality motor oil to perform and last as designed. AMSOIL synthetic motor oil enables modern engines to achieve their full potential and service life. It provides superior protection against extreme heat and the harmful deposits that can plague turbochargers and features high film strength to guard against accelerated wear.

 

 

 

 


Turbocharger problemsAnd there you have it – The AMSOIL Advantage means Maximum resistance to heat and breakdown promoting long engine and turbo life. These engines won’t last forever but AMSOIL gives you more time. Rely on the oil which comes form engineers who have worked on the fuel contamination over past decade in diesel engines. Problem solved!

automatic transmission issues

Do Transmission Fluid Additives Work? John Baker| Feb 26, 2024 9:04 AM Walk the aisles of most auto parts stores and you’ll find multiple “mechanic-in-a-bottle”-type additives that claim to restore transmission performance. The claims made typically include some variation of the following: • Frees stuck valves to improve shifting • Fixes transmission slipping • Restores smooth […]

Understanding Oil Viscosity Viscosity is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. _by David Hilgendorf|January 17, 2023 The physical properties of lubricants are measured by characteristics like viscosity, shear stability, high- and low-temperature performance, water resistance and volatility. Lubrication science seeks to optimize a lubricant’s performance by managing these properties using different base oils […]

Top 5 Skid Steer Maintenance Tips _by David Hilgendorf|September 29, 2023 Skid steers are built for tough construction, excavation, agricultural and other professional projects. Whether you’re clearing land, moving rocks or tearing down a wall, a skid steer is an excellent piece of equipment for many different jobs. But these nimble machines can be expensive […]

thermal runaway occurs when viscosity drops out and wear increases

How Often Should I Change Differential Fluid? Fluid change intervals depend on your vehicle, driving conditions and gear oil quality. Save time and cash first by improving the situation with this differential fluid solution! _by David Hilgendorf|Feb 26, 2023 A differential is a set of gears that allows a vehicle’s driven wheels to revolve at […]

New European oils for 2023 0W-30 and 10W-60

New AMSOIL Synthetic European Motor Oil Viscosities A new 10W-60 and 0W-30 for several BMW, Volkswagen and other fancy European cars. _by Brad Nelson|June 13, 2023 Those who know, know. The sophisticated engineering, finely-tuned performance and artistic styling of European cars can turn a daily commute into a grin-inducing experience. The design of these vehicles […]

EZ marine lower gear lube service

Service Marine Lower Units to Prevent Water Damage Preventing rust and other water-related problems in marine lower units. Most other Marine Gear Oils fail to make the grade. We learn more on that from our own customers when they make the switch. by David Hilgendorf|April 24, 2023 Water and gear lube don’t mix. Unfortunately, you […]