Oil on my side mount intercooler?

[MysticMarine]

While changing transmission fluid I noticed there was a black oil leaking down the side of my SMI. Any thoughts on why?

 

[Boostinsideways]

Leaking turbo seals is the most likely cause.

 

[MysticMarine]

Is that bad on the turbo?

 

[Boostinsideways]

It would indicate its time for a new turbo or turbo rebuild. Check your shaftplay. See if there is a bit of oil in the intake side of the turbo, then check your lower intercooler pipe for oil and grease.

 

[ed1380]

On the outside or inside the intercooler?

 

[MysticMarine]

Outside almost where the rubber hose connects to the SMI.

 

[Boostinsideways]

Pop the hose off and see if there is a lot of grease and oily residue in it.

If there is, take the intercooler off and swish about a 1/4th cup of gasoline or paint thinner around in it and the dump it out. If there is a lot of black crap in it you have bad oil seals in the turbo.

 

[MysticMarine]

Is it difficult to take the SMI off? I've never worked on a turbo car before so I'm a little scared.

 

[Boostinsideways]

It should just a couple of bolts. Probably 12 or 14mm heads. Did you pop the hose off it yet? Any residue inside the hose?

 

[MysticMarine]

It should just a couple of bolts. Probably 12 or 14mm heads. Did you pop the hose off it yet? Any residue inside the hose?

I've worked on my car the last two days in 100plus degree heat. I'll wait until this afternoon today.

If the seals are bad is the Turbo shot? With 22K the seals can already be bad?

 

[MysticMarine]

I haven't seen any more oil?? I checked today after 50 miles.

 

[Boostinsideways]

Okay. I doubt the seals are bad with mileage that low.

If there was nothing in the piping, and nothing in the intercooler your probably in the clear.

 

[volcomsnow245]

If it isn't your turbo then it might be what happened to me. I found out my valve cover breather was spraying a little bitbof oil into my intake and getting into the turbo system causing it to build up in my fmic.

 

[MysticMarine]

If it isn't your turbo then it might be what happened to me. I found out my valve cover breather was spraying a little bitbof oil into my intake and getting into the turbo system causing it to build up in my fmic.

Where's the valve cover breather, I looked and didn't see one?

 

[Boostinsideways]

That would be the PCV and The other fitting that comes off the side. Should be a vacuum line that goes from it to your intake pipe. Or a breather filter/ line to oil catch can if your not stock.

 

[AZN29]

Indication of an almost blown turbo....or oil from pcv valve. Check pcv before spending turbo money.

 

[MysticMarine]

Indication of an almost blown turbo....or oil from pcv valve. Check pcv before spending turbo money.

I guess it's time for a EVO 16G. I checked today as well and no more oil?

 

[TSi Kid]

Look up "catch can". It's either bad turbo, blow by, or oil through your valve cover.

 

[MysticMarine]

I have a small valve cover leak. Maybe that's where the oil is coming from. I just can't see a turbo going out at 22K.

 

[bigbird94]

It would be a good idea to clean you intercooler out if you havent already. Some kind of solvent like brake cleaner should get the oil out of there.

 

[DSM1G90]

I call it blowby ... do the catch can trick after cleaning out the IC .. I had the same with mine - full of blowby gunk.

 

[shadowmiyagi95]

Another tip for less than 50 bucks places like radiator house will clean your intercooler for you
They cleaned mine it came back like brand new