So about a week ago I installed a new Blow off Valve from WMW. I had to take off the intake tube to do so. I noticed the fresh air inlet part of the turbo had a little pool of oil sitting on the lip. Once I removed the BOV I also noticed a little oil sitting there as well. I wiped it off and really didn't think much of it. I figured it was the PCV system causing that and it was normal. However, the more I think about it the more I feel as thought I should check with everyone on here.

Is the oil normal? Is it the PCV system? It is something I should be concerned with? Is that why a oil catch can is recommened? (besides keeping valves clean longer)

What does everyone think?

 

I had the same thing when I replaced my thermostat. I do have a leaking oil line on top of my turbo, which I've ordered the Detroit Tuned kit to replace it. It's my project for this weekend. Is your oil turbo line leaking at the bolt? It seems to be a common issue.

 

No oil leak at the line yet. I had thought of that. Perhaps a precursor to it?

 

Not sure. I didn't notice mine leaking until it was too late. Maybe someone else will chime in??

 

i noticed the same on my 2012 all4 with N18 engine, but only if the oil was full to the top mark

the oil level would drop to half, and stay there AND no more oil in turbo inlet

so now, when i change the oil/filter i only fill to half (which on the N18 happens to be 4 qts!) and when the dealer does a "free" oil/filter change, i request only 4 qts (to half on dipstick) be added ... so far they have done so

my car burns no oil between changes now that i only fill it to half on the dipstick

scott

 

check your pcv valve/breather hose coming off the valve cover. Pull the hose off thats going into the side of the intake and if theres oil in there then thats your problem.

 

What specifically would I be looking for when I do this? I did have it off the inlet tube, but not the valve cover when I did the BOV. No oil was coming out of it when disconnected from the inlet tube, but again I didn't have it off the intake, I just let it hang there while I installed the BOV.

 

no not the valve cover, i was talking about the inlet tube going to the compressor side of the turbo. If you have oil inside the inlet tube(intake pipe) then the usse is with the breather fitting on the side of the valve cover.

Did you have oil inside the inlet tube ?

Worst case another possibility is that the oil seals are shot on the turbo.

 

Yeah the fresh air intake tube (in my case AEM) to turbo. Sorry I should have been more clear. Its where the AEM intake connects to the turbo. I had taken the AEM intake tube off of the turbo and there was some oil sitting at that connection. Sitting on top of the lip where the tube connects.

 

isnt there a hose connected to teh intake pipe?

 

Yeah there is at the elbow joint.

I'll try to get a picture link.



My inlet hose is #10. Where it connects with #12 at the turbo is where I saw the oil. The tube coming off at connection #18 I took off when I did the BOV so I could get the inlet tube out of the way.

 

Alright you see where #19 is....check if theres oil in that tube if there is then you have a problem else where, if thats dry then the oil seals in the turbo are blown.

 

What's the problem elsewhere? I'm freaked out a little because I had the same issue.

 

Isn't there a hose going from the valve cover into the intake or am i wrong ?

if so then your culprit is the PCV valve. PCV valve is a one way check valve, its only supposed to allow suction via intake (suck out vapor from valve cover) but when the engine is under boost the valve is supposed to be closed because if its open you would be pressurizing the engine thus pushing oil out of the other fitting of the valve cover (the one connected to the intake) i think this might be your problem.

 

Well I checked last night and there is oil around connection #18 (in picture above) So I believe that to be where the oil is coming out of.

Now is that a real concern? Should I install a OCC and be done? Or is this something more major I should be worried about?

 

if its only coming from that area then the turbo oil seals are bad. Thats not an "easy" fix because you have to take the turbo out and rebuild it basically.

See if you can stick your hand in the turbo to grab the compressor wheel and check for "shaft play" see if you can move the shaft side to side, then see if you can move it in and out. SOME side to side movement is OK but there should not be in and out play.

 

I don't think you and I are on the same page on this last one... Connection #18 is where the tube comes from the valve cover to the fresh air inlet tube. That would lead me to believe its coming from the valve cover, or PCV system and not the turbo. I would be a bit difficult for oil to fly forward against air flow.

 

Sorry i misread the diagram lol. Yea you're right if its connection 18 its the PCV system sorry about that, i didn't drink my morning coffee yet

That should be a simple fix.

 

Anyone out there have some PCV diag tips/charts? I'd like to keep oil where it should be and not where it shouldn't be!

 

Without getting into the argument about their ability to retard carbon build-up on valves, a PCV catch can WILL prevent a lot of oil and water vapor from reaching the turbo inlet.

 

Ok, so at the very least it sounds like I should get a catch can installed to keep as much oil and vapor from the turbo.

Are all catch cans created equal? Or is there anything I need to look into?

I've heard somewhere of updated Valve covers being installed to help the PCV system, can anyone confirm this, or did I read a post wrong at some point?