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Can Anyone Think Of A Way To Lubricate A Turbocharger Shaft With No Oil Supply? Serious Question


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Ready to be flamed for the odd, unrelated question...

But I had no idea what section I should post this in, but this is a very odd yet serious question.

Im using the centre cartridge, turbine wheel and turbine housing from an old turbo for a project not really related to engines/ cars etc. The turbine wheel will not be exposed to heat levels as high as it would straight out of the motor, and I dare say it would be spinning considerably slower. No compressor wheel/housing.

There is no real way to plumb oil or water coolant lines to the turbine without spending a considerable amount of time / money.

Can anyone think of a way to keep the turbo from breaking? I have no real serious knowledge about lubrication systems, but could a high temp bearing grease be used perhaps?

Any info or ideas would be appreciated...

If it still has the centre then plug the oil holes and fill it with engine oil, or pump it full of grease like you suggested, which may be the better option

Grease may be to thick I am thinking now that I start to use my brain a bit. Perhaps pumping it full of engine oil, with a small sump fixed to turbo for it to feed in and out of could work. The oil wouldnt be going through a motor, so it would last longer? The sump could have a drain and fill for servicing...

Someone tell me why this wont work before I waste money.

Why don't you elaborate more on the project, then we could get an idea of what would be required from the lubricant?

The fact it's not exposed to a large amount of heat or RPM may mean you could get away with a thinner oil and therefore less friction / more efficient rotation. You may not even have a need for a sump, but more details on the project would help with recommendations.

Is this a DIY turbojet or something? If you are keeping the turbo stationary, a gravity fed oil drip would do the trick, otherwise a small 12v pump would supply plenty of oil. Dont use grease....

Look at what the manufacturer of the turbo specifies.

Look at what the turbo was originally fitted to.

Also, Lubrication of shaft hehe.

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