Turbo : Warm-up & cool-down procedures

[azcat]

Somewhere along the line, someone mentioned that turning it off too-early also may leave oil IN the turbo which may "cook-it"... maybe they were misunderstanding it...?

Sort of. The actual term is "coking." The oil remaining on the bearing burns, or "cokes." Seriously. I used to work for a company with a lot of turbine experience...Garrett.

If I understand correctly, it's basically to let the turbo spin-down and allow some oil to flow-through for a minute to cool it off...

Right, the flow of oil cools the bearings and also prevents the oil from coking.

Turbo tech has come a long way, as someone said, but turbos aren't cheap. If you don't plan on keeping your vehicle past the end of the warranty, don't worry about it. If you think you might keep it, just take it easy for the last 15-20 seconds of your drive; you probably do anyway, unless you're a Navy pilot.

 

[spike blue]

Buying a turbo timer....works great for my Evo.

As far as warming up....warm it up just like it also. Once the temp needle moves a little start driving slow. Once it is up to normal temp I drive normal.

Same procedure for both cars.

in your signature it says that you have an aem intake is that correct??

 

[hectik1]

in your signature it says that you have an aem intake is that correct??

Yes. I started a thread with pics earlier today.

 

[offset_98]

I asked the dealership about this as well and they told me no special attention was needed for the turbo. So, I decided to check out the owners manual and found that Mazda recommends letting the car idle for 10 seconds after starting it before driving it. They make no mention of letting it idle after driving it. So, I told my wife to let it idle for 10 seconds after start up but seeing as we're about a mile or so from the highway, when she gets home from work she's driving it 1 mile at 35-40mph so I'm not worried about the cool down.

 

[G-Papi]

After driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds to cool the turbo before turning off the engine. Avoid simply shutting the engine off abruptly after a long or hard drive. Damage to the turbocharger may result.

From the Mazda CX-7 Manual, Page 4-12

 

[mikey1981]

On friday I will be taking my 1st road trip. RI to New Hampshire, with about 1/3rd in mountain terrain (long hills/inclines/declines etc). Is this thing good to go for a 4 hr drive straight or what(ughdance) ? All seriousness tho, I dont have to stop and let the engine cool down or something right - sometimes it can be a grueling drive depending on conditions. Last winter I had to drive my CRV in mostly 3rd & 2nd gear for about 2 hrs - will that have any effect on this car?

 

[G-Papi]

The cool-down procedure only applies to stopping after a hard drive. And even at that, it's only a 30 second idle. You can use the time to unbuckle, scratch ass, or pick nose. (shocked)There's no ill effect when driving hard. As a matter of fact, it should be fun.

 

[PuroMexicano]

You can use the time to unbuckle, scratch ass, or pick nose.

Mandatory!!! (thumb)

 

[9Hooker]

you probably do anyway, unless you're a Navy pilot.

But I do though. I drive like a grandma with the 7 because 1) it doesn't get gas mileage like my diesel VW, and evern worse when I get on it hard, and 2) premium gas isn't cheap.

I forgot to say:

I turn on the car. It idles at like 2k. Having been a motorcycle owner and mechanic for a long time in a previous life I don't like that. I shift into reverse or drive and then back into park. I get all my sh!t into one sock, then I shift again to get on the road.

When I come home I let it idle for a few seconds before shutdown.

 

[Luded]

If the purpose of the "turbo timer" is to allow to car to cool down once you've turned off the car and walked away, than I don't think the "turbo timer" would always be on every time you took a drive.

I mean, if you drove your car in traffic or on the hwy like your average everyday drive, and the engine had enough air flow and time to cool down to a normal temp before you got home and parked the car than the turbo timer wouldn't keep the car on while you walked away after parking the car.

But if you were hammering the car a little, and in boost on few streets, took a few corners fast and pulled into your driveway and wanted to go in than the "turbo timer" should do its job and allow the car to cool if necessary.

I see the "turbo timer" as assurance for when you don't have the time to sit in the car to let it cool off, or if you share the car with another person "wife". And you both don't practice the same "cool down" process.

The engine might be more advanced but I think the "turbo timer" might be a wise investment for the longevity of the motor, sure it's going to consume more fuel and that already seems like a slight concern for some CX-7 owners but if it's going to help protect the engine I think on a turbo car it's a good investment.

 

[SuperStretch18]

A turbo timer is just that, a timer. You set how long after you pull the key that you want the car to run. I have yet to see one that operated on turbo or engine temp.

Regarding turbo timers on the DISI; the MS6 guys have talked this one to death. Basically, since the turbo is both oil and water cooled, convection keeps coolant moving through the turbo for at least a couple of minutes. For the long version, read this:
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123668566&highlight=turbo+timer

 

[erhayes]

WOW this is a long thread. I did something many owners don't do appearently. I read the owners manual which is a neat read. Turo engine is supposed to be idled 30 seconds after a hard run. If I can't invest 30 + seconds after a highway run in my $28,000 vehicle then I shouldn't be driving it. JMO