Turbocharger and Intercooler — General Information (Opel Vectra C)

1. The turbocharger is designed to increase engine power by increasing the mass charge of air entering the engine cylinders. Air is supplied to the cylinders under pressure, due to which the cylinder filling coefficient increases, the completeness of fuel combustion is improved, and the mixture formation process is improved.



2. The turbocharger is a shaft, the central part of which is installed in a bearing. On both sides of the shaft there are turbines in two separate housings. One of the turbines is included in the exhaust tract, the other in the intake tract. When the engine is running, the turbine included in the exhaust tract is driven by the flow of exhaust gases - while the rotation speed of the turbocharger shaft reaches 300,000 rpm. As a result, the turbine installed at the other end of the shaft creates pressure in the intake tract. Due to the higher degree of filling of the cylinders, the increase in engine power can reach 100%.

3. The air pressure in the intake manifold during turbocharging increases by 0.4-0.8 bar (the total pressure reaches 1.8 bar), due to which the engine power also increases. The air pressure values in the intake air duct are determined by the boost pressure sensor, which transmits the corresponding signal to the electronic module of the engine management system. At the same time, the system monitors that the maximum air pressure does not exceed a certain value.



4. Along with power, the use of a turbocharger also increases engine torque, which has a beneficial effect on the smoothness of engine operation.

5. For optimal engine operation in different modes, a certain amount of air is required. Therefore, a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VNT) is installed on the Z19DT(H)/Y22DTRA30DT engines, i.e. the guide vanes are smoothly controlled via an electromagnetic valve and a vacuum chamber. Thus, optimal boost pressure is achieved at any engine speed.

6. The turbocharger bearing is lubricated under pressure in the general engine lubrication system. Oil is supplied and discharged to the oil pan through separate pipelines. The bearing housing has hermetic seals.

7. The turbocharger housing is attached to the exhaust manifold. To remove it, you need to disconnect all the supply connectors of the electrical wiring, fuel and oil lines, remove the exhaust manifold protection and the manifold together with the turbocharger. Then disconnect the turbocharger.

Note: If you need to disconnect the coolant lines when removing the exhaust manifold, be sure to drain the coolant.

8. The turbocharger is a precision-made unit. Therefore, it cannot be repaired in a regular car service workshop and is replaced as a whole.

9. For maximum turbocharging efficiency, an intercooler is located between the turbocharger and the engine intake manifold (intercooler). which cools the compressed air. Reducing the temperature of the inlet air leads to an increase in its density, an increase in the filling of the cylinders and the thermal efficiency of the working cycle.

10. The intercooler is installed on the radiator assembly of the cooling system, usually in front of it. To remove it, it is necessary to dismantle the front bumper cover and disconnect the air ducts and other supply lines.