A diesel boost leak occurs when compressed air can’t reach the turbo. This creates an immediate drop in performance and could lead to other problems, such as overheating and turbocharger and engine failure, requiring their replacement. But what causes diesel boost leaks? If you want your vehicle to continue to run smoothly, you’ve got to be able to catch and fix these four common causes.

Loose or Damaged Clamps

Leaks are often the result of things being loose (such as leads, hoses, screws, and more). Mainly, loose and/or damaged clamps increase the likelihood of diesel boost leaks. Engines are active things, and the constant vibrations can shake loose clamps that secure the hoses in the turbocharger system. Left unsecured or unrepaired, the clamps can’t do their job, permitting air to escape and making the boost pressure drop.

Periodically check the clamps and tighten or replace them as necessary.

Cracked or Worn Hoses

Whether in gardening or under the hood, nothing good comes from a leaky hose. Hoses transport pressurized air from the turbocharger to the engine. Terrific engine heat and long-term use cause these hoses to weaken or crack, providing pressurized air with an escape hatch. Even the smallest crack can lead to big drops in boost pressure and lower engine performance.

Check your hoses regularly, looking for wear and tear, loose connections, and signs that it’s time for a replacement. Secure hoses mean less work for the engine and turbocharger, leading to longer life.

Faulty Intercoolers

Ever heard of an intercooler? It’s a great device that cools down compressed air as it enters and passes through the engine, keeping it from overheating and failing. But intercoolers, like any device, are subject to the effects of time. Corrosion creates cracks and leads to leaks forming, reducing the density of the air entering the engine and inducing poor performance.

As part of your regular maintenance and upkeep, check to see if the intercooler remains in good shape. If it isn’t, well, that’s not cool! Replace it as soon as possible.

Turbocharger Issues

Turbochargers are hardy devices that deliver years of performance, but they eventually break down, creating diesel boost leaks and other issues. Worn seals and damaged components may lead to such leaks.

Unless you’re especially handy and have the tools and space to make repairs, this is an issue you should leave to your mechanic. Still, regular maintenance of your turbocharger should put off such leaks and any subsequent repairs. If you haven’t done so already, upgrade to a high-performance turbocharger to sweeten your vehicle’s performance.

We’ve answered the question of what causes diesel boost leaks and offered four common causes. We cannot stress enough that regular maintenance and inspections stop these issues early on, whether you own a 7.3 Powerstroke engine or another model.

Do you have further questions about dealing with diesel boost leaks or other diesel issues? Contact us for a consultation about the parts and services that will help your vehicle keep rolling along!