924Board.org

[Clbmkr1]

I believe the seals in my turbo are leaking. How can I confirm it?

Jim
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[Rasta Monsta]

Complex question. Intake seal leak blows oil down the intake, so you can check the intake plumbing for pooling oil (however, I think even a healthy K26 spits a little oil). Exhaust seal blows down the headpipe. Both cause smoke out of the exhaust.

The real question is why are they leaking. If you have blowby issues from worn or broken rings, the turbo can't drain correctly due to crankcase pressure, and will blow oil even if the seals are good. Blowby also causes oil contamination that I believe can rapidly degrade turbo seals. A poorly maintained fuel system can also contribute by dumping raw fuel in the crankcase.

In short, unless the engine internals and fuel system are in excellent repair, even a good condition turbo will struggle to seal up, and it is therefore very difficult to assess turbo condition on a worn motor.
_________________
Toofah King Bad

• WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

[Clbmkr1]

Valve seals have less than 10,000 miles, Cylinder pressures within 4 psi.
It started suddenly while running high rpm.
Mechanic said wastegate was stuck open and attributed this was the cause.
Still smoking, 50-60 miles later.
He thinks residual oil in exhaust. I think maybe blown seal in turbo.
Car has 91,000 miles.
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[Clbmkr1]

I took off the boost pipe and its dry as a bone inside.
If the seal(s) were bad, should there be oil in the pipe blowing into the throttle both?
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[jason c]

You could get oil in the intake (a little is normal), the exhaust or both. The wastegate stuck open would keep the turbo from making boost and would have no effect on oil leaking on either side of the turbo.
Could you please explain in detail what the symptoms are in depth and what the oil consumption is? What color is the smoke? When does it occur?

[Clbmkr1]

Jason,

I've pulled the plugs, they're all showing a light brownish deposit. No sign of oil.
I checked the compression on the cylinders. All are 105-110 psi.
I haven't driven it more than 5 miles, so I can't comment on oil consumption.
And, as I stated earlier, the boost pipe and throttle body are dry.
No water in the oil.
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[jason c]

I'm sorry, your just not being very clear. I'd rather you be specific than have to guess and give wrong advise based upon that guess. You said previously you had driven it 50-60miles, now you say only 5. Can you lay out a timeline?
Residual oil in the exhaust from what? What other symptoms were present when "the wastegate was stuck open"? If there is residual oil in the exhaust it may take more than 5 miles to burn out but not 50. Ideally, you should check the intake and exhaust side turbo shaft play but you can remove the inlet boot off the turbo and check play with a dial indicator easier. You can feel the free play with your hand (a little is normal) but you may have a hard time telling good/bad without a frame of reference.

What color is the smoke (white, blue or black) & when does it occur (startup/idle, low rpm, high rpm, hot and/or cold, all of the above?

How many miles are on the turbo? If 91k, your about (probably over) due for a turbo rebuild anyway.

[Clbmkr1]

I moved to Wisconsin and left my car with the mechanic. He determined that the wastegate was stuck open and it sucked oil from crankcase into the exhaust.
Following the repair, he test drove it. He said it runs great, but still smoked. He assumed it was residual oil in the exhaust system. He pulled the exhaust and cleaned it the best he could. He welded a couple of cracks and replaced all of the exhaust gaskets. He then drove it a number of times, approx 50 miles, and stated he thought the smoke was lessening.
I transported the car to Wisconsin, and its still smoking. It's a white smoke, Mobil 1 synthetic oil. I haven't driven it far enough to note oil consumption.
No water in the oil.
I have pulled the plugs. They are dry with a slight brownish coating.
I checked the compression. All cylinders are 105-110 psi.
As stated earlier, the boost pipe and throttle body are dry.

I guess the next task is to remove the wastegate and see what I can see.
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[Rasta Monsta]

[Clbmkr1]

I agree, so far it really doesn't add up. I'll accept advice and/or direction/comments.
So far the intake and valves/pistons/plugs are OK. Is it downstream of the exhaust manifold? I'll pull the Wastegate and take a look.
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[kcoyle]

[Clbmkr1]

I thought it was really close. I couldn't find any information, but 7.5 compression of 1 atmosphere, (14.7 psi), is 110 psi.
Looked good to me.
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[jason c]

[Clbmkr1]

Jason,

As always I value the advice and direction I receive from this forum.

I will do as you suggest and remove the exhaust from the turbo and investigate. This may take me a week or so, but I'll post the findings.
_________________
Jim Baldwin
1980 931
2013 Lincoln MKZ
2013 Ford Escape

[Fasteddie313]