Turbocharger - Gasoline: Operation: Notes

Air is drawn into the compressor through an air inlet duct and the throttle body. Forced air from turbocharger enters into the intake manifold. Air is then mixed with fuel and injected into the cylinders. As engine load increases and throttle is opened, more air/fuel mixture enters into the combustion chambers. As this mixture is burned, a greater volume of hot exhaust gas enters exhaust system. Exhaust gas is directed into the turbocharger turbine housing where it is used to increase speed of the turbine.

The turbine wheel is connected by a shaft to the compressor wheel. As the compressor speed increases, it compresses the incoming air and forces a denser air/fuel mixture into the combustion chambers. Increased air density creates higher engine power output. The turbocharger is also cooled by engine coolant which is supplied from the water box. An intercooler is used on some models to provide lower air suction temperatures. This increases combustion efficiency providing better engine power output.