Turbocharger - Diesel: Operation: Notes

As air/fuel mixture is burned, greater volume of hot exhaust gas enters exhaust system. This gas is directed into turbine housing of turbocharger. Energy contained in exhaust gas is used to increase speed of turbine wheel, which drives compressor wheel. Compressor wheel forces incoming air through plenum chamber and into intake manifold.

The amount of boost is controlled by a wastegate and diaphragm. As boost increases, diaphragm pushes against wastegate actuator rod, opening wastegate. Exhaust gases are then diverted away from turbine.