Turbocharger System Description
Turbocharger Description and Operation
A turbocharger is a compressor that is used to increase the power output of an engine by increasing the mass of the oxygen and therefore the fuel entering the engine. A turbocharger is mounted either to the exhaust manifold or directly to the head. The turbine is driven by the energy generated by the flow of the exhaust gases. The turbine is connected by a shaft to the compressor which is mounted in the induction system of the engine. The centrifugal compressor blades compress the intake air above atmospheric pressure, thereby increasing the density of the air entering the engine.
The turbocharger incorporates a wastegate that is controlled by a pressure differential that is determined by the engine control module (ECM) by means of a PWM solenoid, in order to control boost pressure. A compressor recirculation valve, also controlled by the ECM, prevents compressor surging and damage by opening during sudden throttle closures. When the recirculation valve is opened it allows the air to recirculate back to the turbocharger compressor inlet.
The turbocharger is connected to the engine oiling system by a supply and drain pipe. Oil is required for the bearing system function and also serves to carry some heat from the turbocharger. There is a cooling system circuit in the turbocharger that further reduces operating temperatures and passively dissipates bearing housing heat away from the turbocharger on shut down.
Charge Air Cooler Description
The turbocharger engine system is supported by an air-to-air charge air cooler system, which uses fresh air drawn through a heat exchanger to reduce the temperature of the hot compressed air exiting the turbo compressor, prior to delivery to the engine combustion system. Inlet air temperature can be reduced by up to 100ºC (180ºF), enhancing performance because cooler air is denser in oxygen and promotes optimal combustion. The charge air cooler is connected to the turbocharger and to the throttle body by flexible ductwork that requires the use of special high torque fastening clamps. In order to prevent any type of air leak when servicing the ductwork, the tightening specifications, cleanliness and proper positioning of the clamps is critical, and must be strictly adhered to.
Benefits of Dual Cam Phasing
The camshafts of the Ecotec 2.0 liter turbocharged engine have camshaft position sensors and camshaft position actuators that the ECM uses to accurately control the continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing. This allows the combustion process to be optimized by the ECM to increase the response of the turbocharger, providing a more immediate feeling of power to the driver.
Benefits of Gasoline Direct Injection
In the Ecotec 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, the fuel is introduced directly into the combustion chamber during the intake stroke. As the piston approaches top-dead center, the mixture is ignited by the spark plug, thereby giving the name spark ignition direct injection. Direct injection allows the mixture to be leaner, with less fuel and more air at full power, and allows a slightly higher compression ratio, resulting in improved fuel consumption at part and full throttle.
The fact that the fuel is injected after the exhaust valve closes allows particularly high valve overlap values in certain engine operating ranges. This enhances the turbocharger response time. This would not be possible in a port fuel injection engine due to the fact that unburned fuel would escape through the open exhaust valve.
Direct injection's precise fuel delivery enables more complete combustion which reduces emissions particularly on cold starts.
Electronic Vacuum Pump
The purpose of the electronic vacuum pump, if equipped, is to keep the vacuum in the brake booster at an acceptable level under various operating conditions. The ECM monitors the input signal from the brake booster pressure sensor.
When the vacuum in the brake booster is not in an acceptable range the control module will command the relay ON that controls the vacuum pump.
Recommendations for Service
The turbocharger is designed so that it does not require any special maintenance, and inspection is limited to a few periodic procedures. To ensure that the turbocharger's lifetime corresponds to that of the engine, the following engine manufacturer's service instructions must be strictly adhered to:
The following causes are responsible for a majority of all turbocharger failures:
These failures can be avoided by regular maintenance.
Crankcase Ventilation System Description
General Description
A crankcase ventilation system is used to consume crankcase vapors in the combustion process instead of venting them to atmosphere. Fresh air from the intake system is supplied to the crankcase, mixed with blow by gases and then passed through a calibrated orifice into the intake manifold.
Operation
The primary control is through the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve (2) which meters the flow at a rate depending on intake manifold vacuum. The PCV valve is an integral part of the camshaft cover. Fresh air is introduced to the engine through PVC (1) under normal operating conditions. If abnormal operating conditions occur, the system is designed to allow excessive amounts of blow by gases to back flow through the crankcase vent valve (3) into the intake system to be consumed by normal combustion.
Only on turbocharged engines, there is a one way valve (2) in the camshaft cover in order to prevent the crankcase from being pressurized by positive pressure in the intake manifold when the turbocharger is in operation. When the turbocharger is operational, the pressure in the intake manifold can exceed atmospheric pressure which, without the one way valve, would force oil and PCV gases out of the camshaft cover and into the induction system, via the hose to the camshaft cover. This can cause coking of the throttle body and induction system, and can reduce the efficiency of both combustion and the intercooler system, in normal operation the PCV gases are drawn into the air stream post intercooler (6). However, when the turbo is spooled up the turbo can become the vacuum source for the vent system.
PVC#4 controls the max. flow so the crankcase stays at a normal vacuum during normal operating conditions.
Results of Incorrect Operation
A plugged orifice may cause the following conditions:
A leaking orifice may cause the following conditions:
Engine Component Description
Engine Description
Cylinder Block
The cylinder block is constructed of aluminum alloy by precision sand-casting. The block has 5 crankshaft bearings with the thrust bearing located on the second bearing from the front of the engine. The cylinder block incorporates a bedplate design that forms an upper and lower crankcase. This design promotes cylinder block rigidity and reduced noise and vibration.
Crankshaft
The crankshaft is cast nodular iron with 8 counterweights. The number 8 counterweight is also the ignition system reluctor wheel. The main bearing journals are cross-drilled, and the upper bearings are grooved. The crankshaft has a slip fit balance shaft drove sprocket. Number 2 main bearing is the thrust bearing. The crankshaft balancer is used to control torsional vibration.
Connecting Rod and Piston
The connecting rods are powdered metal. The connecting rod incorporates the floating piston pin. The pistons are cast aluminum. The piston rings are of a low tension type to reduce friction. The top compression ring is ductile steel with a molybdenum facing and phosphate coated sides. The second compression ring is gray iron. The oil ring is a 3- piece spring construction with chromium plating for applications without a turbocharger. For applications with turbocharger, the oil ring is a 3-piece spring construction with nitride plating.
Engine Block Cooling Baffle
The engine block cooling baffle is essential to proper engine coolant flow. The baffle's presence in the engine block is strategic and acts to direct the engine coolant flow around the bores for uniform cooling.
Oil Pan
The oil pan is die cast aluminum. The oil pan includes an attachment to the transmission to provide additional structural support.
Balance Shaft Assembly
The dual balancer shaft assembly is mounted to the lower crankcase located within the oil pan. The balance shafts are driven by a single inverted tooth chain that also drives the oil pump. The chain is tensioned by a hydraulic tensioner that is supplied pressure by the engine oil pump. This design promotes the maximum effectiveness of the balance shaft system and reduces noise and vibration.
Cylinder Head
The cylinder head is a semi-permanent mold. Pressed-in powdered metal valve guides and valve seat insets are used.
The cylinder head incorporates camshaft journals and camshaft caps. The fuel injection nozzle is located in the intake port. The high pressure fuel pump is mounted on intake side.
Valves
There are two intake and two exhaust valves per cylinder. The head of the valve is made of a durable alloy. The valve shaft resists wear. Valve stem oil seals control oil consumption. Valve springs, valve spring retainers, and valve keys are assembled to return each valve to a closed position after each actuation of the rotating camshaft assemblies.
Camshaft
Two camshafts are used, one for all intake valves and high pressure fuel pump, the other for all exhaust valves and mechanical vacuum pump. The camshafts are cast iron.
Valve Lash Adjusters
The valve train uses a roller finger follower acted on by a hydraulic lash adjuster. The roller finger follower reduces friction and noise.
Camshaft Cover
The camshaft cover has a steel crankcase ventilation baffling incorporated. The camshaft cover has mounting locations for the ignition system.
Camshaft Drive
A roller chain is used for camshaft drive. There is a tensioner and active guide used on the slack side of the chain to control chain motion and noise. The chain drive promotes long valve train life and low maintenance.
Intake and Exhaust Manifold
The intake manifold is made of composite plastic. The exhaust manifold is cast iron. The intake manifold incorporates a distribution and control system for positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) gases. The exhaust manifold is a dual plane design that promotes good low end torque and performance.
Mechanical Thermostat
The mechanical thermostat is positioned between the engine and the radiator. Its purpose is to control the flow of coolant to the radiator. The thermostat will not allow coolant flow through the radiator when cold, coolant flow occurs when the engine has warmed up. Once the engine reaches its operating temperature, generally about 95ºC (203ºF), the thermostat opens. This actuation of the thermostat starts to occur at 82ºC (180ºF), when the heated wax contained within a cylinder melts and rapidly expands, pushing the rod and valve assembly out of the cylinder, opening the valve. The temperature dependent actuation of the thermostat allows the engine to warm up as quickly as possible, the thermostat reduces engine wear, deposits and emissions. The open thermostat now allows the coolant to flow through the engine cooling circuit to maintain optimal operation temperatures, which is achieved by directing the hot coolant through the radiator for cooling and recirculation.
Variable Flow Oil Pump Assembly
The oil pump assembly is located within the oil pan. The oil pump assembly is fastened directly to the rear of the balancer shaft assembly and is driven by the rotation of the balance shaft spline.
The oil pump assembly possesses variable flow capability which is made possible by a shift of the circular vane arrangement and the actuation of an oil control valve assembly guided by the ECM. The variable flow capability of the pump optimizes oil flow to the engine components when needed. During performance maneuvers and acceleration the oil pump operates in a steady high pressure state. However, during steady low load touring speeds on level terrain the oil pump operates in a steady low pressure state.
The ECM guided "on" and "off" actuation of the oil control valve assembly allows the chamber to be pressurized which takes the switch from high to low pressure mode. The high pressure state of the chamber compressing the spring and shifting the center of the circular vane arrangement nearer to that of the balancer drive shaft, decreasing the difference of the volume of oil contained between each vane. It is this small variation in volume which produces the steady low pressure flow. It is in this mode that the pump behaves as a smaller pump.
Advantages of variable flow oil pumping modes:
LUBRICATION DESCRIPTION
Oil is applied under pressure to the crankshaft, connecting rods, balance shaft assembly, camshaft bearing surfaces, rocker arms, valve lash adjusters and timing chain hydraulic tensioner. All other moving parts are lubricated by gravity flow or splash. Oil enters the oil pump through a fixed inlet screen. The oil pump is driven by the balancer shaft assembly's sprocket. The oil pump body is attached to the rear of balancer shaft assembly. The pressurized oil passes through the cylinder head assembly restrictor orifice into the cylinder head's OCV and routed through passages cast into the camshaft cover assembly to each camshaft feed gallery and camshaft drip rail. OCV actuates the 2-Step intake rocker arm assemblies to control valve travel. The oil filter is a metal canister type. A by-pass valve in the filter assembly allows continuous oil flow in case the oil filter should become restricted. Oil then enters the gallery where it is distributed to the balance shafts, crankshaft, camshafts and camshaft timing chain oiler nozzle.
The connecting rod bearings are oiled by constant oil flow passages through the crankshaft connecting the main journals to the rod journals. A groove around each upper main bearing furnishes oil to the drilled crankshaft passages. The pressurized oil passes through the cylinder head restrictor orifice into the cylinder head and then into each camshaft feed gallery. Cast passages feed each hydraulic element adjuster and drilled passages feed each camshaft bearing surface, rocker arm, and drip rail. An engine oil pressure switch or sensor is installed at the end.
Oil returns to the oil pan through passages cast into the cylinder head. The timing chain lubrication drains directly into the oil pan.
CLEANLINESS AND CARE
An automobile engine is a combination of many machined, honed, polished, and lapped surfaces with tolerances that are measured in ten thousandths of an inch. When any internal engine parts are serviced, care and cleanliness are important. A liberal coating of engine oil should be applied to friction areas during assembly to protect and lubricate the surfaces during initial operation. Throughout this section, it should be understood that proper cleaning and protection of machined surfaces and friction areas are part of the repair procedure. This is considered standard shop practice even if not specifically stated.
When valve train components are removed for service, they should be retained in order. At the time of installation, they should be installed in the same locations and with the same mating surfaces as when removed.
SEPARATING PARTS
NOTE:
Separate, mark, or organize the following components:
A paint stick or etching/engraving type tool are recommended. Stamping the connecting rod or cap near the bearing bore may affect component geometry.
REPLACING ENGINE GASKETS
Special Tools
EN-28410 Gasket Remover
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.
Gasket Reuse and Applying Sealants
Separating Components
Cleaning Gasket Surfaces
Assembling Components
Use of Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) and Anaerobic Sealant
Cleaning Mating Part Surfaces for RTV Joints
RTV sealant depends greatly on adhesion to the mating parts in order to form and maintain a robust sealed joint. As with any adhesion system, proper surface preparation of the bonded parts is extremely important to ensure good adhesion over the life of the product.
CAUTION: When cleaning the sealing surfaces of engine components, DO NOT use bristle discs, abrasive pads, wire wheels or surface conditioning discs. These types of devices should not be used because they produce a very fine grit that is abrasive and known to cause internal engine damage. The bristle discs and pads are embedded with abrasive material and wear down as they clean, continually exposing fresh abrasive to the surface of the component.
Abrasive pads, wire wheels and bristle discs can remove enough metal to affect the engine front cover, cylinder head, engine block, oil pan rail, and intake manifold runner surface flatness, which can then result in engine coolant leaks, engine oil leaks and air leaks. It takes about 15 seconds to remove 0.203 mm (0.008 in) of metal with an abrasive pad.
Abrasive pads, wire wheels and bristle discs used with high speed grinders produce airborne debris that can travel throughout the shop contaminating other work being performed outside of the immediate work area.
When cleaning engine gasket sealing surfaces and/or cleaning parts from an engine that are to be reused, surface conditioning discs, typically constructed of woven fiber or molded bristles that contain abrasives, such as a high amount of aluminum oxide, should NOT be used. The use of such surface conditioning discs dislodges aluminum oxide from the disk and metal component particles, which can lead to premature engine bearing failure. The presence of aluminum oxide in engine oil has been shown to cause premature engine bearing failure. In some cases, this failure occurs in as little as 1, 600 km (1, 000 mi) or less after the repair has been made.
Surface conditioning discs may grind the component material and embed it into the disc. This can result when more aggressive grinding of the gasket surface takes place.
General Motors strongly recommends using a plastic razor blade, plastic gasket scraper, a wood scraper or a nonmetallic scraper to remove all sealer/gasket material on the surface of engine components that are to be reused. Do not use any other method or technique to remove the sealant or the gasket material from a part.
To remove the old RTV sealant from the sealing surface, spray GM Low VOC Cleaner or an equivalent, on the mating surfaces and allow it to soak to loosen the old gasket material. Use care to avoid getting GM Low VOC Cleaner in any area other than the mating surface to be cleaned.
Use a plastic razor blade, that mounts in a scraper device or a hand held plastic razor blade, to remove old RTV sealant from a sealing surface. Use a new blade for each corresponding engine component surface. Hold the blade as parallel to the flat surface as possible.
To properly clean the sealing surfaces prior to reassembly, spray GM Low VOC Cleaner on a folded lint free shop cloth. Wipe the mating surfaces on the engine and front cover and rotate the shop cloth until there are no more visible signs of contamination on the cloth.
After the final cleaning of the parts, allow up to 5 minutes for the components to dry before applying new RTV sealant.
NOTE: After the final cleaning with GM Low VOC Cleaner and before reassembly, DO NOT touch the cleaned surfaces with your hand. Oils from your skin WILL CONTAMINATE the surface and prevent proper bonding of the new RTV sealant.
Typical Applications
This procedure is intended for use in the following operations:
In the typical situation, both the part being assembled, and the assembly to which it is to be sealed will be cleaned.
An example is an oil pan assembled to a block/front cover/rear cover assembly using an RTV seal applied to the pan or the block. Both the pan and the block assembly should be cleaned prior to RTV application.
Any loose gaskets that are part of the RTV joint should not be cleaned unless it is known that they have been contaminated during the build process. Examples of loose gaskets are intake side and end seals which contact RTV used to seal a T-joint.
Assemblies supplied to GM with gaskets in place should not be cleaned unless they are known to be contaminated during the build process. Examples are rocker/cam covers with press in place gaskets using RTV at corners or Tjoints.
Materials Needed
Use clean dry lint free cloths to wipe surface with approved solvent based cleaner. Examples are:
Procedure:
1. Identify the surfaces to which the RTV will come into contact in the assembled joint.
2. Using an approved solvent based cleaner, thoroughly soak an appropriate portion of a clean, dry cloth.
Immediately wipe the surfaces with the cloth to remove any residue of oil, soap, etc.
3. Repeat step 2 using a clean portion of the cloth as many times as required until the cleanliness of the cloth after wiping the surface becomes constant in appearance. There is typically some discoloration of the cloth after wiping however a clean surface should produce the same level of discoloration with successive wiping with a clean cloth and solvent.
4. If crevices exist in the joint such that wiping the surface would not be sufficient to clean the crevice, the approved solvent based cleaner should be directly sprayed on the joint to ensure wetting of the surfaces and removal of the contaminant. DO NOT spray rubber components directly. Care must be used to avoid getting solvent in areas other than necessary to clean the joint. Then continue with step 3.
5. Allow the surfaces to dry for a minimum of 1 minute or longer if necessary for the solvent to evaporate from the surface.
6. Do not touch the cleaned surface with anything prior to RTV application.
7. The surface is now prepared for RTV application.
Sealant Types
NOTE: The correct sealant and amount of sealant must be used in the proper location to prevent oil leaks, coolant leaks, or the loosening of the fasteners. DO NOT interchange the sealants. Use only the sealant, or equivalent, as specified in the service procedure.
The following two major types of sealant are commonly used in engines:
Room Temperature Vulcanizing (RTV) Sealer
This type of sealant is used where two components, such as the intake manifold and the engine block, are assembled together.
Use the following information when using RTV sealant:
CAUTION: Do not allow the RTV sealant to enter any blind threaded hole. RTV sealant that is allowed to enter a blind threaded hole can cause hydraulic lock of the fastener when the fastener is tightened. Hydraulic lock of a fastener can lead to damage to the fastener and/or the components. Hydraulic lock of a fastener can also prevent the proper clamping loads to be obtained when the fastener is tightened. Improper clamping loads can prevent proper sealing of the components allowing leakage to occur. Preventing proper fastener tightening can allow the components to loosen or separate leading to extensive engine damage.
NOTE: The bead size is critical and is easier to maintain consistency and application with a RTV dispensing tool. This also helps to eliminate waste.
NOTE: Do not wait for the RTV sealant to skin over.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the fasteners.
Anaerobic Type Gasket Eliminator Sealant
Anaerobic type gasket eliminator sealant cures in the absence of air. This type of sealant is used where two rigid parts, such as castings, are assembled together. When two rigid parts are disassembled and no sealant or gasket is readily noticeable, then the two parts were probably assembled using an anaerobic type gasket eliminator sealant.
Use the following information when using gasket eliminator sealant:
CAUTION: Do not allow the sealant to enter a blind hole. The sealant may prevent the fastener from achieving proper clamp load, cause component damage when the fastener is tightened, or lead to component failure.
This will result in an incorrect clamp load of assembled components.
Anaerobic Type Threadlock Sealant
Anaerobic type threadlock sealant cures in the absence of air. This type of sealant is used for threadlocking and sealing of bolts, fittings, nuts, and studs. This type of sealant cures only when confined between two close fitting metal surfaces.
Use the following information when using threadlock sealant:
NOTE:
- Do not allow the threadlock sealant to cure more than 5 minutes before torquing to specification. This will result in an incorrect clamp load of assembled components.
- Do not overtighten the fasteners.
Anaerobic Type Pipe Sealant
Anaerobic type pipe sealant cures in the absence of air and remains pliable when cured. This type of sealant is used where two parts are assembled together and require a leak proof joint.
Use the following information when using pipe sealant:
CAUTION: Do not allow the sealant to enter a blind hole. The sealant may prevent the fastener from achieving proper clamp load, cause component damage when the fastener is tightened, or lead to component failure.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the fasteners.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Special tools are listed and illustrated throughout this section with a complete listing at the end of the section. These tools, or their equivalents, are specially designed to quickly and safely accomplish the operations for which they are intended. The use of these special tools will also minimize possible damage to engine components. Some precision measuring tools are required for inspection of certain critical components. Torque wrenches and a torque angle meter are necessary for the proper tightening of various fasteners.
To properly service the engine assembly, the following items should be readily available: