turbo oil leak

[craigerz]

I just bought an "82 ROW 930 from a gentleman that had not run the cart for 5 years. I noticed on the PPE that the turbo was quite oil soaked and caked on the lower 1/2 of the compressor housing and there was also a slight oil drip just sitting. It doesn't smoke out of the exhaust since it has been running, but only about 5 miles have accumulated so far... The price of the car reflected that and a couple other issues, but I'm wondering 1) how long before it really starts to smoke, and if it happens gradually or quickly, I know this may be hard to answer... 2) I have the mechanical prowess and tools to possibly rebuild it myself, any idea where a rebuild kit can be obtained? 3) If a kit isn't available, who and how much to get it rebuilt? 4) Or should I just pop for a k-27, where and how much, any chance of finding a good used one? The car is stock, right down to the ROW exhaust system... Many thanks!!!

[x98boardwell]

If I'm not mistaken, the leak could be from either the oil feed line seal on top of the turbo or the oil return line seal on the bottom going to the drip-tank.

If that is the case, then the seals between the compressor housing to the oil filled area are fine... hence no smoke. It would seem to me that if the turbo was leaking internally then you would be seeing smoke on boost and dealing with a more severe problem and a possible new turbo purchase. You can also take off your turbo and check the tolerances on the shaft to see if it is going bad that way as well. The K27S is a great option from Ultimate Motorworks but a cost that you may be able to put elsewhere if the car needs some TLC.

You may be alright by just purchasing the $2 seals from our host. Also, you may try and tighten the bolts to ensure they are not loose.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

Bryan

[infraredcalvin]

Don't quote me here, but if it's not smoking at startup, and on boost, the seals inside the turbo are probably ok. I just had my turbo seals go out on me, it would smoke at startup after sitting overnight. At full boost it would smoke as well.

[Herr-Kuhn]

I would pull the TC and check it out. Majestic Turbo in Waco is a good rebuilder should you need that done.

[rsrmike]

The turbo oil feed line should be pouring by now if it's original. Usually where the rubber hose is crimped onto the metal line is where they start to leak...
Congrats on the car

[NathanUK]

Mine leaked!

[rsrmike]

Originally Posted by NathanUK

Mine leaked!

How much fun was that to change Nathan??

[craigerz]

I appreciate all you help and insite, as soon as I get it figured out, Ill let you know whats up.... Craig

[NathanUK]

Originally Posted by rsrmike

How much fun was that to change Nathan??

Well, the car is still in pieces. Does that answer your question?

[rsrmike]

I understand...

[Herr-Kuhn]

Check the axial and radial play on the unit while you have it out. KKK is generally a very robust turbo, built like a tank.

[fredmeister]

Rebuilding yourself could be tricky. The balance of rotating parts is critical and if you don't take extreme care when disassembling the wheels and shafts to make sure they align back together in the same orientation you will upset the balance.
Turbo manufacturers spin balance assembled units at the factory to fall within tight specs......at 100,000rpm and a fraction of a gram out of balance means you have built a grenade and not a turbo.
Might be in your interest to let pros with equipment do it.....at least ask if they balance as part of it. Otherwise buy new!

[craigerz]

thank you very much on that answer, Craig