Need help diagnosing... Blown turbo or something else??

[Talek]

Well, a couple days ago I noticed that my car was hesitating under higher boost, like it was misfiring. I figured it was either fouled plugs or a boost leak somewhere. I started it up this morning and popped the hood to search for leaks and after it was idling for about 5 mins I noticed oil smoke wisping up from the front left of the engine (facing the engine). I haven't noticed any smoke from the exhaust of any kind at idle or under boost that would normally indicate a failing turbo, but the only part I can think of that could be leaking oil externally from that spot is the turbo. I'm gonna take it to the shop, but they won't be able to work on it til Tuesday. What should I expect? Anyone have ideas of what might be wrong? I just had quite a bit of work done to it to fix a few oil leaks, but I don't recall exactly what seals were replaced, but supposedly all the oil leaks were fixed.

 

[bluesbabybones]

it sounds like you may have another leak. have you checked your spark plug wires? that may be the cause of your misfiring. good luck

 

[jdmawd]

Pull the inlet pipe off and try to push the wheel against the inside of the housing. If it touches your turbo is done.

 

[Talek]

If it is just another leak, but one that was supposedly fixed, would the shop be liable for it? Also, the last time I had it worked on, one of the mechanics accidentally and unknowingly knocked a bolt into the intake which in turn got stuck in the throttle body and locked the throttle full open while I was driving down the street... heh... They took it out for free, of course, and paid for my tow, but with any seal on an engine that's new you shouldn't run it very hard at first, right? Could this have caused problems like I'm having, and if it could, how should I approach the shop about it without being a dick.

 

[bluesbabybones]

yeah i think that the shop would be liable for it. im not sure about how you should've driven the car with new seals in it but i wouldn't think that it would matter. i dont think that it would cause your seals to fail. but as far as the shop goes...i would just go and explain the situation to them and see what they say. any reputable shop should own their mistakes and make good on them. it sounds like youve been there before so they shouldnt give you a hard time about it.

 

[bluesbabybones]

yeah i think that the shop would be liable for it. im not sure about how you should drive te car with new seals in it but i wouldn't think that it would matter. i dont think that it would cause your seals to fail. but as far as the shop goes...i would just go and explain the situation to them and see what they say. any reputable shop should own their mistakes and make good on them. it sounds like youve been there before so they shouldnt give you a hard time about it.

 

[TwoLiterV8Eater]

When seals get old, they start to leak. When you replace a leaking seal, the oil is likely to find the next weakest link in the chain, and start leaking from a new seal. If your motor has a lot of miles on it or is getting old (like a lot of DSM's are) then leaking seals are a pretty common thing. If you have a little bit of blowby that will help cause oil leaks as well. Its entirely possible that the shop fixed all the known leaks, and because of this, your car developed a new leak.

 

[RiceKiller_TSi]

Originally posted by TwoLiterV8Eater
When seals get old, they start to leak. When you replace a leaking seal, the oil is likely to find the next weakest link in the chain, and start leaking from a new seal. If your motor has a lot of miles on it or is getting old (like a lot of DSM's are) then leaking seals are a pretty common thing. If you have a little bit of blowby that will help cause oil leaks as well. Its entirely possible that the shop fixed all the known leaks, and because of this, your car developed a new leak.

Ding Ding Ding!!!! Been there myself! And with a lil TLC you too can have a leak free Talon!
I've replaced the gaskets and hoses that nobody knowses.