American turbochargers for Britain
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by Trevor Longcroft • Production has now started at a plant in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, of automotive turbochargers of American design. This challenge to the established UK manufacturers comes from Garrett AiResearch. said to be the largest turbocharger manufacturer in the world, with headquarters in Los Angeles, where the parent plant provides turbochargers for the majority of US diesel engine makers. Introduction of power-to-weight regulations and tighter emission controls for diesel engines are among the factors that have influenced Garrett AiResearch in its decision to produce turbochargers in England.
Present capacity of the Skelmersdale factory is 40,000 units a year and this figure could be raised to 100.000 units with the facilities available.
At present Garrett turbochargers are being fitted by Rolls-Royce and Scania hut I understand that negotiations are in hand with other engine manufacturers.
Features of the turbocharger include a cast-iron heat shield preventing the lubricating oil from becoming too hot, an exclusive design of taper-land thrust bearings and fully floating journal bearings.
The Garrett unit is compatible with the use of an exhaust brake — pressure seals fitted are considered adequate for the build up of exhaust gas pressure when the brake is applied.
Five turbochargers are available for engine ratings between 40 bhp and 540 bhp; an even bigger model, the Ti 8A. is not expected to be produced unless there is a sufficient demand.
Servicing facilities are available at Skelmersdale but a company spokesman said that the engine manufacturers usually prefer to provide their own servicing arrangements.
Research facilities are at the moment being constructed. But with the technical assistance of the American company and the use of a computer, accurate assessment of turbocharger /engine match can be made, thus saving the expense of initial development and testing in the test bay.