I took off my turbo in order to install my new manifold today. I removed the downpipe and saw that there was oil on the area where the downpipe and turbo meet and oil on the inside of the beginning of my downpipe. The blades on the exhaust housing also had some oil on them.

Is this a problem? Is this normal? It doesn't seem like it would be normal and it is leading me to think that a seal is broken inside the turbo that is causing the oil to leak out from the middle of the turbo into the exhaust housing?

If it is a problem, what should be done to fix it?

 

Bump, we really need some input on this.

 

Yup, looks like your seal is blown on the exhaust side. How is the shaft play? You might have to get it rebuilt.

 

There is no shaft play and the turbine still spins freely without any grinding noises or resistance, so I believe the bearings to still be good.

Would a busted seal require a rebuild or could I fix the seal myself?

 

I had the same symptoms (sp?) as you. The turbo looked pristine, but turns out the seals were shot. As far as a rebuilt, most people send them off, but I guess you could do it yourself. I just bought another one.

 

Yeah, so I believe I am going to send the turbo off to get rebuilt. I am going to use CheapTurbo.com for the rebuild as I have heard go things about them.