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Turbo Failures: Heat, Oil, Plumbing

They over-spin, over-temp and sometimes ingest things they aren’t supposed to, but heat management and inspection are keys to longevity.

That’s one of two turbocharged Continental engines on a Piper Seneca II. With the right operating techniques, a good engine monitor and focused inspections, the turbos can last to engine TBO and beyond.

For many, turbosupercharging is a must, while pricey upkeep is the price to pay for high-flying efficiency and safety. But even the best-maintained turbos have little tolerance for careless operation, although these days, advanced electronic engine monitors are a welcomed backstop.

But no matter how gently you finesse them, turbos work hard. They spool to impressively high RPM and generate glowing-red heat within tightly packed, cooling-starved engine cowlings. Neither are keys to longevity and eventually, you’ll be faced with turbo component repairs.