Hi - ( I am a turbo virgin )

Getting exhaust smoke but car seems to be running fine. Started to take apart things on the turbo and immediately found oil in the air intake tube, (photo 1) at the turbo; and another air hose (photo 2)also at turbo that leads to something (possible culprit) that is below the radiator (photo 3) and oil here too.

Does anyone know what is causing this? and what can I do to fix.

Thanks very much

 

You will always have a slight bit of oil in the piping. That is normal on a turbo car. But if the vent system is not working properly due to a clog you will get more than normal.

Does the dipstick tube smoke bad with the car running and dipstick up?

 

The "thing" in photo #3 is an air-to-air heat exchanger. The hot air from the turbo goes in and comes out to the throttle body. There will always be a slight amount of oil in the hoses and the heat exchanger. The oil falls out of the vapor as it cools. Sometimes it is called an after cooler or inner cooler. Don't go too tight on the clamps or you can crack the plastic fittings.

 

You may have a seal leaking in the turbo causing the smoke. Is the exhaust side of the turbo dry? I don't think it's too expensive to have the bearings and seals in the turbo replaced. I didn't catch mine until it broke the shaft. A new center section was about $600.00 installed.

 

no smoke coming from dipstick. was wondering if this could be the pre-curser to that.

 

looks like i need to take turbo off for more inspection; was hoping to avoid that . If its dry then turbo is ok? oil there would need a rebuild?

thanks

 

Possibly the vent system is clogging up but not clogged all the way.
Yes if the turbo is dry it is ok.

 

Thanks to those that replied and showed interest in helping me fix my problem ( I have posted to other sites w/ no replys )

The problem was a blocked hole that is part of the PCV system (i think) see photo.

I am hoping to help others that have the same issue but not showing the symptom of smoke coming from dipstick. To summarize: problem was excessive smoke coming from exhaust; car was running fine including turbo; no smoke from dipstick.

To anyone who is gunna tackle this in future this is the best order to remove : http://www.v70xc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16290