Q: What are the important considerations for maintaining and working with a turbocharger?A: The turbocharger, driven by exhaust gases, operates at extremely high temperatures and its castings retain heat for a long time, requiring at least three hours to cool down after the engine was last run. It is advisable to wear heavy gloves to prevent burns. The turbocharger's high rotation speed means that bearing life and operation is dependent upon a constant flow of engine oil, necessitating careful attention to the condition of the oil lines and the tightness of their fittings. Overtightening the hollow bolts can deform the unions and cause leakage. The turbocharger is dependent upon clean oil, so the engine oil should be drained and the oil filter changed any time the turbocharger is removed. If a bearing fails in the turbocharger or in the engine, all engine and turbocharger oil passages should be completely flushed before reassembly. As a ducted fan, the turbocharger's greatest enemy is dirt and foreign objects. A stray nut, metal chip or rock passing through a turbine rotating at 120,000 rpm can cause extreme damage. The best defense against foreign object damage is to clean the engine and turbocharger unit before working on it, cover all inlets and pipes, and account for every nut, bolt, screw and washer before starting the engine after assembly is complete.