Possibly a worn out turbo?

[BlckTalon]

Ok guys... I know I don't have a DSM anymore but this is by far the best forum for usefull information that I have EVER found. Now about the problem (please help even though i went to the dark side) I have a boosted Integra LS with a built motor. I have a Precision SC34 Turbo with about 18,000 miles on it (I think, I bought the car with the turbo).

Now here is my problem.. The car runs quite rich but I think I also smell some oil too. My friend was driving behind me today and said he saw a bunch of white smoke out of my tailpipe and could smell the oil also. I also noticed some oil coming out of my blowoff valve. Is this an indication that my turbo oil seals are going?

I don't believe it has anything to do with my motor.. It WAS built 18,000 miles ago with JE 9.0:1 pistons, Eagle rods, ARP head studs, and Darton Sleeves. So I dont think the rings are bad.

My last question is this, have any of you had your turbo rebuilt? I took mine off today and plan on getting it rebuilt if possible because i dont feel like spending 980 bucks for a new one. Thanks for your help.

 

[MrBoxx]

Check the turbo for shaft play. Take off the intake and try to wiggle the compressor wheel. If it wiggles either in and out or side to side/top to bottom, chances are that it's starting to fail. Check the lower intercooler pipe for oil collecting in it.

 

[BlckTalon]

I checked the shaft for play and there is a little but I know there is a bit of allowable shaft play. I'm not sure if it exceeds that limit or not. It hasn't scored the inside wall yet. I'll check the lower intercooler pipe for oil tonight. Thanks for the help.

 

[MrBoxx]

If you're still unsure about whether the shaft play is out of spec or not, let me know and we can get together somewhere and I'll check it out.

 

[BlckTalon]

Oh yeah that would be a big help, how far are you from Waukesha?

 

[MrBoxx]

25 miles... 35-45 minutes or so.

Send me a PM with your address and a good day and time to meet and I'll come check it out with you. Until I start this new job, I don't have anything to do all day, so any chance to get out of the house is pretty good. I need to start getting to know my way around Milwaukee anyway.