Leaky Turbo

[MJP8540]

Ok im pretty sure my turbo seals are leaking. I just got it back from egr delete/ oil cooler and now it smokes a little on take off from a stop. I do have some oil in my downpipe and my mechanic agrees with me on the problem. He is also my friend so if he didnt know he would just tell me he didnt know. My question is should I just buy a new turbo or try and have this one rebuilt? Im looking at cost versus durabilty. thanks for any advice and input.

[2006PSDSD]

I have heard that rebuilds don't last very long . You're probably better off finding a new/used one

[late_99_PSD]

You might want to check out your drain tube. If the drain is backing up then it will leak out of the turbine or compressor side. Really the "seals" on a turbo can't go bad.

[dazdillenger]

The turbo doesn't have "seals" persay. It has metal oil rings-the reason they don't leak is the fact that oil can flow through them fairly quickly without pooling-if oil sits in them, they will leak. I'd check the return line as mentioned above. That's not to say it can't be leaking oil, but usually oil leaking isn't the first sign of a failing turbo.

Smoking isn't uncommon after engine work-I wouldn't worry about it just yet.

[MJP8540]

So the oil in the downpipe can be caused from a drain tube? Is it easy to locate/check? My diesel experience is very limited but is getting better thanks to this forum. I forgot to mention a couple of times sitting at stop lights it smoked the whole time until I accelerated. Does this change any thoughts? Again thanks

[late_99_PSD]

Are you loosing alot of oil (on the dipstick)

What color smoke was it? Blue or white?

[MJP8540]

I can't tell that i've lost any oil. Its not my daily driver so Im only drive it 2 or 3 times a week. The smoke is more blue than white.

[diablos30]

yes the oil seal can go bad, a rebuild might fix it for a while but from my experience its not a long term solution.

[late_99_PSD]

I would take off the turbo an the drain pipe and clean it out. It probably has a bit of sludge or carbon buildup.

[dazdillenger]

If the smoke appeared after the work, I'd start there. As the turbo did come off for the repair, the drain line could have become obstructed.