The car has 45,000 miles, throws no codes, has stock downpipe, runs really well and boosts to about 13-14psi with the stock map and 16-18psi with a tune.

The problem is that I've noticed soot building up on the oil line, as seen in the pictures. It also builds up over time on the underside of the hood. About two years ago I tightened the clamp that connects the downpipe to the turbo exhaust housing but the soot buildup continued and has gotten slightly worse more recently. The car uses about 1qt of oil per 1500 miles and has done so since new.

Any ideas what might be the problem?

 

Time to replace it. That is not soot that looks like oil. It happens, I would suggest this kit http://www.detroittuned.com/detroit-...urbo-oil-line/
and get one of these with it http://www.detroittuned.com/mini-gen...e-heat-sheild/ and if you are feeling really froggy get one of these http://www.detroittuned.com/detroit-...-oil-line-kit/

 

Would the oil line cause occasional blue smoke from the exhaust when running hard? A friend that was in back of me says he saw some blue smoke when we were doing a mountain run recently. I'm worried it could be something more.

 

Could possibly. Those oil lines are known to fail. It is just the name of the game.

 

Ok, I figured I'd have to do it soon.

 

I used the Detroit tuned myself... I too have that occasional puff...hope it's not the turbo seal...

 

If it's the turbo seal the turbo needs to be replaced?

I mentioned soot in the original post because it's dry and comes off with your finger like the soot that appears on the exhaust tips. Could it be dry because the oil burns as it slowly leaks?

 

I've heard others say that the soot is coked oil. Not sure if that is true.

So the turbo turbine shaft rides in a journal bearing floating on oil. On both ends of the housing are metal clips or seals. These seals should hold that shaft from in out sloppy play. If there is play, then time and wear has taken its toll.

You can remove the fresh air side of the turbo hose at the turbo and carefully check the compressor wheel and shaft for play. You don't want to damage those fins etc. But see if you can push/pull that shaft in and out. I can't tell you what the tolerances are, but if there is enough play then there is cause for speculation that oil is getting out of the turbo housing on both sides. That would mean some of your oil is going to your intercooler and some going into your catalytic converter.

If you want some more tests to do, then you could check the intercooler for oil and also you could attach a backpressure gauge to the top O2 sensor hole and check the pressure. That would tell you if the Cat Conv is clogging reducing exhaust flow.

OEM new turbos are pricey in my opinion. There are several shops that will rebuild yours. I ended up buying a rebuilt one from JMturbocooper.com and returned him my core.

 

Yea I plan on using JMTC when the time comes. I looked at the fresh air side a few days ago and it was dry (I have an VTA PCV setup), I didn't check for play though I'll do that.

 

fresh air side of the turbo looks fine. It's dry and has no noticeable play at all thank goodness.

I'll order the detroit tuned kit along with the appropriate gaskets for the downpipe.

Maybe I'll order a catless downpipe since I'll be in there anyway.

 

IMHO you should also do the oil filter housing gasket & heat exchange gasket. all in the same are a rough and the gaskets are known to leak...saves doing them later. I had mine done same time...also did a Downpipe since it had to come off...

 

Idk I think I'll wait on the oil filter housing gasket, seems a little involved since I'll be doing the repair myself. Plus with the catless downpipe I'll need to take it off in two years for smog, hopefully the oil filter housing lasts until then and I'll do it at that time.

 

Minor correction: http://www.jmturbocoopers.com/

 

But I’m finding the same issue on my R60.
were you ever able to pin down the problem?