You know that feeling. The moment you punch the throttle on your can am side by side turbo, the world blurs. The engine screams, the turbo whistles, and you’re pinned to your seat by a wave of pure, unadulterated power. It’s an addiction, and it’s what makes these machines absolute legends on the trail, in the dunes, and through the mud.
I promise that by the time you finish this guide, you’ll understand your turbo system not just as a magic power-adder, but as a component you can confidently care for. You’ll know how to keep it healthy, what to look for, and how to troubleshoot issues before they become ride-ending problems.
We’re going to dive deep into how it all works, cover the essential maintenance that will save you thousands, diagnose common problems, and even touch on best practices for keeping your machine running strong for years to come. Let’s get those wrenches turning.
What Exactly is a Turbo and How Does it Work on Your Can-Am?
Think of a turbocharger as a way to cheat physics. Normally, your engine is like a person breathing—it can only suck in so much air on its own. A turbo force-feeds it, giving it a massive gulp of air it could never take otherwise.
More air means you can burn more fuel, and more fuel means a much bigger bang. That bang is what gives you that incredible horsepower. It’s a beautifully simple and effective system, and it’s a key part of our can am side by side turbo guide.
The Key Players in Your Turbo System
Your Can-Am’s turbo system has a few critical parts working together in perfect harmony. Understanding what they do makes troubleshooting way easier.
- The Turbine: This is the “hot side.” Exhaust gases, which are normally wasted, spin a wheel called a turbine. Think of it like a pinwheel being spun by the wind coming out of your engine.
- The Compressor: The turbine is connected by a shaft to another wheel, the compressor. As the turbine spins at insane speeds (often over 100,000 RPM!), it spins the compressor, which sucks in fresh air and shoves it, under pressure, into your engine.
- The Intercooler: When you compress air, it gets hot. Hot air is less dense and bad for performance. The intercooler is like a small radiator that cools this pressurized air (called the “charge air”) before it enters the engine, making it denser and packed with more oxygen for a better boom.
- The Wastegate: This is the pressure regulator. It’s a valve that opens to let some exhaust gas bypass the turbine. This prevents the turbo from spinning too fast and creating too much pressure, or “boost,” which could damage your engine.
The Undeniable Benefits of a Can-Am Side by Side Turbo System
So, why go through all this trouble? The payoff is huge, and it’s about more than just raw speed. The benefits of can am side by side turbo power are what define the top-tier UTV experience.
- Jaw-Dropping Power Increase: This is the big one. A turbo can easily add 50-70+ horsepower to an engine, delivering acceleration that will plaster a grin on your face every single time.
- Conquering High Altitudes: Ever notice how your machine feels sluggish up in the mountains? That’s because the air is thinner. A turbo compensates for this by forcing in enough air to make your Can-Am feel like it’s at sea level, even at 10,000 feet.
- Unmatched Torque and Throttle Response: It’s not just about top speed. The instant rush of torque helps you power out of corners, climb steep, technical hills, and churn through deep sand or mud with authority.
- The Sound: Let’s be honest, the whistle of a turbo spooling up and the “pssh” of the blow-off valve is one of the coolest sounds in the off-road world. It’s the soundtrack of performance.
Essential Can-Am Side by Side Turbo Care Guide: Pro Tips for Longevity
Power comes with responsibility. A turbo is a high-performance, precision-engineered part that lives in a world of extreme heat and speed. Neglecting it is the fastest way to a very expensive repair bill. Follow this can am side by side turbo care guide religiously.
The Golden Rule: Oil is Everything
Your turbo’s central bearing spins at incredible speeds, supported only by a thin film of engine oil. This oil both lubricates and cools the turbo.
If there’s one takeaway from this entire article, it’s this: DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON OIL OR STRETCH YOUR OIL CHANGES. Use the manufacturer-recommended, high-quality full synthetic oil, like BRP’s XPS oil. Turbo engines are incredibly hard on oil, breaking it down with intense heat. Change your oil and filter more frequently than you would on a non-turbo machine, especially if you ride hard or in dusty conditions.
Cool Down Laps: The Most Overlooked Best Practice
Ever pull into camp after a hard rip and immediately kill the engine? That’s a huge mistake.
When you shut off the engine, oil flow to the turbo stops instantly. But the turbo itself is still glowing hot. The oil trapped inside can cook onto the bearings, a process called oil coking. This baked-on carbon buildup restricts oil flow and will eventually starve the turbo, leading to total failure.
The Fix: After a hard run, let your Can-Am idle for 60-90 seconds before shutting it down. This circulates oil and allows the turbo’s temperature to come down safely. This is one of the most crucial can am side by side turbo best practices.
Keep it Clean: Air Filter and Intercooler Maintenance
A turbo needs to breathe clean, cool air to survive. A dirty air filter makes the turbo work harder to suck in air, putting strain on its components. In dusty environments, check your air filter before every single ride.
Don’t forget the intercooler. It’s usually mounted up front, where it can get caked with mud and debris. A clogged intercooler can’t cool the air effectively, which robs you of power and can lead to engine damage. Gently rinse the fins with a hose (don’t use a high-pressure washer that can bend them) to keep airflow optimal.
Diagnosing Common Problems with Can-Am Side by Side Turbo Models
Even with perfect maintenance, things can sometimes go wrong. Knowing what to look and listen for can help you catch issues early. Here are some of the most common problems with can am side by side turbo units.
Symptom: Loss of Power or Low Boost
If your Can-Am suddenly feels lazy and doesn’t pull like it used to, you likely have a boost issue. The most common culprit is a boost leak.
Start by checking the simple stuff. Is your air filter completely clogged? Next, with the engine off, carefully inspect all the rubber and silicone hoses between the turbo’s compressor outlet, the intercooler, and the engine’s intake. Look for cracks, splits, or loose hose clamps. Even a tiny pinhole can cause a significant loss of power.
Symptom: Blue or White Smoke from the Exhaust
This is the one you don’t want to see. Blueish smoke, especially on startup or under acceleration, is a classic sign of failing turbo seals. This means engine oil is leaking past the seals and getting burned in the exhaust (blue smoke) or pushed into the intake (can cause white smoke).
If you see this, it’s time to park it. Continuing to run it can drain your engine of oil and lead to catastrophic engine failure. This job almost always requires a turbo rebuild or replacement by a qualified technician.
Symptom: Unusual Whining, Grinding, or Siren-like Noises
Your turbo will make a characteristic whistle, which is normal. A loud, high-pitched “dentist drill” whine, a grinding noise, or a siren-like wail is NOT normal.
This often indicates that the compressor or turbine fins have been damaged (from sucking in debris) or that the internal bearings are failing. If you hear these sounds, stop the engine immediately. If a fin breaks off, it can be ingested by your engine, causing complete destruction.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Can-Am Side by Side Turbo Practices
Being a responsible off-roader means taking care of our machines and our trails. Thinking about a sustainable can am side by side turbo setup isn’t about sacrificing performance; it’s about being smart and efficient.
A well-maintained machine is an efficient machine. When your air filter is clean, your oil is fresh, and your turbo system has no leaks, your engine burns fuel more completely and cleanly. This not only gives you better performance and fuel economy but also reduces your emissions footprint on the trail.
Furthermore, an eco-friendly can am side by side turbo approach means being conscious of waste. Always capture and recycle your used engine oil, coolant, and other fluids. Take them to an auto parts store or local recycling center. Never, ever dump them on the ground or in the trash.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Can-Am Side by Side Turbo
What kind of oil is best for a turbo Can-Am?
Always use a high-quality, full-synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer’s specifications. For Can-Am, that is typically BRP’s own XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil. The key is using an oil designed to handle the extreme heat a turbo generates.
Do I really need to let my turbo Can-Am cool down before shutting it off?
Yes, absolutely. This is arguably the single most important habit you can develop. A 60-90 second idle period after a hard ride prevents oil coking and can dramatically extend the life of your turbocharger. It costs you nothing but a minute of your time.
How often should I inspect the turbo components?
A quick visual inspection should be part of your pre-ride check. Look at the boost hoses for cracks or loose clamps. Check for any signs of oil leaks around the turbo’s oil lines. A more thorough inspection should be done during every oil change.
Can I install a bigger turbo or a tune on my Can-Am?
Yes, but this is a serious modification. Upgrading your turbo or adding a high-performance ECU tune can unlock incredible power, but it also puts more stress on your engine, clutch, and drivetrain. This is a topic for a whole other article, but be prepared to upgrade supporting parts like clutch kits, fuel injectors, and connecting rods to handle the extra power reliably.
Your can am side by side turbo is the heart of your machine’s incredible performance. It’s a marvel of engineering that turns an ordinary engine into a fire-breathing monster. By understanding how it works and giving it the respect and care it deserves, you ensure it will deliver that heart-pounding thrill for countless rides to come.
Remember the fundamentals: use great oil, let it cool down, and keep it breathing clean air. Do that, and you’ll spend less time wrenching and more time riding. Stay safe out there and keep the boost up!
- 2018 Honda Accord Tire Size – The Ultimate Guide To Perfect Fit, - December 18, 2025
- 2012 Honda Accord Fuse Box Diagram – Your Ultimate Guide To DIY - December 18, 2025
- 2013 Honda Accord Fuse Box Diagram – Your Essential Guide To - December 18, 2025