TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL
A turbocharger is a mechanical unit, driven by exhaust gas,
used to force more air into an engine cylinder than the engine
Intake Air System Group
would receive operating naturally aspirated. The additional
air and an increased fuel charge enables the engine to
develop more horsepower and/or operate more efficiently.
VT-50 Turbochargers
The turbocharger consists of turbine wheel and a compressor
Description
wheel separately encased, but mounted on, and rotating with,
Cummins
VT-50 Turbochargers,
a common shaft. The turbine side of the turbocharger mounts
Fig. 102, are designed so weight and size are held to a
to the exhaust manifold outlet flange and the compressor
minimum, therefore, the turbocharger adds a very small
wheel side connects with the air intake manifold. Lubrication
percentage to the overall weight of the engine, which results in
and cooling is obtained from filtered engine oil through flexible
a higher horse power to weight ratio.
lines or tubing.
The part number, serial number, model number, and other
The power to drive the turbine wheel which in turn drives the
pertinent information appears on the nameplate attached to
compressor wheel is obtained from energy of exhaust gases.
the turbocharger.
The rotating speed of the turbine wheel changes as the energy
level of exhaust gases change so the engine is supplied with
enough air to burn fuel for its load requirements.
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