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BorgWarner

K37

Turbocharger · Turbochargers

Technical data from manufacturer or class sources · not yet verified by a person​​‍‌​​‍‍⁠​​‌​​​⁠‍⁠⁠‌
Exhaust gas / charge airMedium

BorgWarner's K37 turbocharger is designed to manage exhaust gas and charge air within high-speed diesel engines. This radial turbine turbocharger is specifically engineered for 4-stroke engines. Common issues reported with the K37 include bearing wear, compressor fouling, oil leakage, and turbine damage caused by excessively high exhaust temperatures. When servicing the K37, it is important to adhere to the manufacturer's manual and any applicable classification society regulations. Annual inspections are recommended, aligning with class survey schedules. Due to the complexity of the unit, complete exchange is often the preferred service solution. It is crucial to confirm the precise engine calibration before proceeding with any repairs or replacements. To ensure prompt and efficient maintenance, manufacturers recommend stocking spare parts according to their specifications.

Specifications

Technical data.

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Engine Type4-stroke
Turbine TypeRadial
Service

Service notes.

What our service work and the manufacturer documentation say about keeping this model running.

Servicing per the manufacturer's manual and classification society requirements. Annual inspection at class survey. Stock spare parts as specified by the manufacturer.

Inspection

Common failures & inspection points

Inspection

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Common issues

  • Excessive bearing axial and radial play leading to rotor contact
  • Compressor wheel fouling causing reduced efficiency and potential surging
  • Oil leakage from bearing housing seal rings (compressor or turbine side)
  • Turbine wheel erosion, cracking, or foreign object damage (FOD) due to high exhaust temperatures or debris
  • Imbalance of the rotor assembly due to fouling or damage, leading to vibration
  • Exhaust gas leakage from casing joints or cracks
  • Reduced boost pressure or engine power output

Inspection checklist

  • Measure rotor shaft axial and radial play (critical check)
  • Visually inspect compressor wheel for fouling, blade damage, or rubbing marks
  • Visually inspect turbine wheel for erosion, cracks, carbon build-up, or FOD
  • Check for oil leaks at bearing housing, oil supply, and drain lines
  • Inspect turbocharger casing for cracks, exhaust gas leaks, or signs of overheating
  • Verify security of mounting bolts and support brackets
  • Check air filter condition upstream of compressor inlet
  • Inspect charge air cooler for cleanliness and integrity (downstream of compressor)
  • Monitor bearing housing temperature during operation (if instrumentation available)

Service intervals

Annual Inspection (Class Survey)External visual check, operational parameter verification, documentation review
Intermediate Inspection/Cleaning4,000 - 8,000 running hours (Compressor cleaning, bearing play check if accessible)
Minor Overhaul/Bearing Replacement8,000 - 12,000 running hours (Replacement of bearing cartridge, seal rings, gaskets)
Major Overhaul24,000 - 36,000 running hours (Full disassembly, inspection of all components, balancing, replacement of wear parts)

Typical wear limits

Rotor Axial Play (New)0.05 - 0.10 mm
Rotor Axial Play (Service Limit)0.15 - 0.20 mm
Rotor Radial Play (New)0.03 - 0.06 mm
Rotor Radial Play (Service Limit)0.08 - 0.12 mm
Compressor/Turbine Blade Tip ClearanceVisual inspection for rubbing marks or contact
Bearing Housing Bore OvalityManufacturer specific, typically < 0.02 mm deviation

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

  • Bearing cartridge / Repair kit (includes bearings, seal rings, O-rings)
  • Complete gasket set for turbocharger casing and oil lines
  • Lock nuts and washers for critical fasteners
  • Oil filter element (if applicable to specific K37 variant)
  • Compressor wheel (especially if operating in environments prone to FOD)

Safety

  • Hot surfaces (exhaust casing, turbine housing) – severe burn hazard
  • High-speed rotating machinery – entanglement hazard during maintenance or inspection
  • High-pressure exhaust gas and charge air – potential for uncontrolled release if casings or piping fail
  • Oil mist/leakage – fire hazard, slip hazard on engine room floor
  • High noise levels during operation – hearing protection required

Class survey

Class surveyors typically focus on documentation of maintenance and running hours, external condition for leaks/cracks, security of mounting, and operational parameters (boost pressure, exhaust temperatures). If issues are suspected or during specific surveys (e.g., Special Survey), they may request opening for rotor play measurement and visual inspection of compressor/turbine wheels. Evidence of proper maintenance and adherence to manufacturer's service schedules is key.

Estimated lifetime: 24,000 - 36,000 running hours before major workshop overhaul is recommended

Spares

Replacement Parts

Spare parts notes

Complete unit exchange is common in service; confirm exact engine calibration.

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