Hello everyone!
I recently got my turbo project on the road. I have a SVO turbo on my 90 CRX. I drove the car and there is a huge struggle to make over 1lb of boost. I drove it in 3rd gear 6000 rpm and made a whole 2lbs. The shaft spins smooth by hand with NO play left/right or in/out.
I compressed my intake system to 20lbs and there was 0 boost leak. Tested waste-gate for proper function, as well.

I have noticed oil in the charge piping, and grey smoke out exhaust. My theory is that oil is slipping out exhaust side and burning on hot exhaust. ( Instead of going through the engine and being blue smoke.)

Sounds like to me an oil seal is blown. Is this possibly why my turbo will not build boost? Should I rebuild or just replace?? thanks!

 

oil burning on the exhaust housing shield will still be BLUE. But it sounds like there a major leak somewhere else that your leak testing methodology just isn't finding. But piston sealing ring issues still allow the turbocharger to build boost pressure.. just not very well, obviously.

Something else is up.. hard to say what, though.

 

Today I got my garrett off and put in a new eBay turbo. I figured what the heck 140 bucks? If anything I need the exhaust housing for my Garrett which they charge 250.
Anyway! With the new turbo I got up to 5 psi before BAM!! My hood flew up and kissed my windshield. Instant win then a huge BUMMER

Meanwhile I disassembled my garrett and found it is indeed desperate for a rebuild. SO while that kit is on the way I will tool around with the ebay turbo... and try to find a hood and windshield ....