Can Anyone Think Of A Way To Lubricate A Turbocharger Shaft With No Oil Supply? Serious Question

[Bennis]

Ready to be flamed for the odd, unrelated question...

But I had no idea what section I should post this in, but this is a very odd yet serious question.

Im using the centre cartridge, turbine wheel and turbine housing from an old turbo for a project not really related to engines/ cars etc. The turbine wheel will not be exposed to heat levels as high as it would straight out of the motor, and I dare say it would be spinning considerably slower. No compressor wheel/housing.

There is no real way to plumb oil or water coolant lines to the turbine without spending a considerable amount of time / money.

Can anyone think of a way to keep the turbo from breaking? I have no real serious knowledge about lubrication systems, but could a high temp bearing grease be used perhaps?

Any info or ideas would be appreciated...

[mad082]

If it still has the centre then plug the oil holes and fill it with engine oil, or pump it full of grease like you suggested, which may be the better option

[Bennis]

Grease may be to thick I am thinking now that I start to use my brain a bit. Perhaps pumping it full of engine oil, with a small sump fixed to turbo for it to feed in and out of could work. The oil wouldnt be going through a motor, so it would last longer? The sump could have a drain and fill for servicing...

Someone tell me why this wont work before I waste money.

[Birds]

Why don't you elaborate more on the project, then we could get an idea of what would be required from the lubricant?

The fact it's not exposed to a large amount of heat or RPM may mean you could get away with a thinner oil and therefore less friction / more efficient rotation. You may not even have a need for a sump, but more details on the project would help with recommendations.

[zoomzoom]

Is this a DIY turbojet or something? If you are keeping the turbo stationary, a gravity fed oil drip would do the trick, otherwise a small 12v pump would supply plenty of oil. Dont use grease....

[StevenCJR31]

There has been a few factory turbos that have bern released like that

[Nee-san]

Look at what the manufacturer of the turbo specifies.

Look at what the turbo was originally fitted to.

Also, Lubrication of shaft hehe.