[jimmuller]

Back in the old days, which I'm thinking would be mid-70's, newly introduced emissions standards cost every manufacturer power. To regain some of it and simultaneously to improve gas mileage by taking advantage of energy which would otherwise be lost out the exhaust, Porsche introduced the turbo 911. At least that's how I remember it.


Not much later stories appeared about guys with more money than brains bringing them back to the dealer with blown turbo bearings. The story, legit or not, was that they'd drive home, pull into the driveway, and revel in the glorious sound of the engine by rev'ing it up just before shutting it off. That would spin up the turbo just before the act of shutting it down would stop all oil pressure to its bearings. Inotherwords, a great way to generate a big repair bill. Of course the dealer would then say "Don't do that!"



Anyway, I'm curious. What does Porsche do to prevent such abuse now? Electric oil pump to the turbo? Robust bearings which can withstand lots of abuse? The Good To Know owner's manual says nothing about it.

 

[John-e89]

I’m pretty sure ceramic coated bearings are used nowadays Jim, they can stand much more heat plus there will be a thermostatic electric water pump to keep water flowing through the turbo housing until temps drop. You used to be able to install turbo timers that kept the car ticking over for a set time but nowadays manufacturers build them in.

 

[John-e89]

Plus you have much better seals using two each side of the impeller shaft.

 

[jimmuller]

Thanks. I guess the turbo technology has improved. My neighbors had a turbo Saab, loved it, loved the turbo kick when pulling onto a highway. Never had that kind of problem, but also never thought about it. Nothing in my Cayman's documentation says anything about it either.

 

[8833]

I guess I always treated my turbos well. Car aficionados really should understand how cars work. I never turned off one of my turbo cars right after "hammering" it. But I guess there are rich folks who buy Porsche's and know nothing about cars.

 

[Andros X Thomson]

Most modern turbo cars, including ours, have electric pumps to continue running oil and/or coolant through the turbo to prevent damage to the bearing and turbine. The K04, in the Base model, is a journal bearing, which is unlikely to be ceramic coated

 

[John-e89]

Most modern turbo cars, including ours, have electric pumps to continue running oil and/or coolant through the turbo to prevent damage to the bearing and turbine. The K04, in the Base model, is a journal bearing, which is unlikely to be ceramic coated

Every days a school day..thanks for the info.

 

[nineball]

Most modern turbo cars, including ours, have electric pumps to continue running oil and/or coolant through the turbo to prevent damage to the bearing and turbine.

i can verify this. the fans keep running and hot air keeps coming out the vents when i park after a session on the track. i certainly will not miss the old days of letting the car idle solely for the sake of the turbos