Just got my '02 s60 2.5T back from the dealer with a brand new turbo. It is now burning oil with a visible blue smoke. Even my twelve year old noticed it out as they were pulling into my driveway to swap my car for the loaner car. I assume they made a mistake somewhere in the installation of the new turbo, but I need some ammunition from some people in the know before I go back down there. Anybody have some thoughts about what specifically they need to go back and look at / replace / repair. It certainly wasn't burning oil before they got the car. Thank you.

 

Hi Andrew, welcome to the forum.

May be nothing. Check the oil level. Take the loaner back and let them know your car is smoking and if it doesn't stop soon, you will be back for them to deal with it. Drive the car for a week or two. If it's still smoking, take it back. If the oil level is lower, take it back.

My guess is that some oil spilled somewhere in the turbo area and it has to burn off. Hopefully it will not mess up the cat.

 

is the turbo "new" or "rebuilt"

high likely hood that they forgot/nicked/damaged a seal

 

Should be a new unit. The car has been driven at least 50 miles today since the car was returned, definitely long enough to burn out any oil that had pooled up since the repair. I am surprised they would return it to me with such an obvious problem.

 

Hey Andrew, I'm very new to the site but not new at all to the world of turbo cars. The number 1 problem with people installing new turbos is not priming them properly, what I mean by that is getting the oil to the turbo before the engine starts. If not done properly the turbo seals will fail (in most cases). The way to prime the turbo is to unplug the injectors and whirl the car over for a minute or so , to let oil pressure build up and lubricate the seals before the shaft spins or sees heat. Ask if they have done so. If not you may have another bad turbo. Good luck!