I think my turbo is dying. Questions...

[wilch]

Hey guys,

Today while installing my front mount intercooler I noticed that in the pipe that leads from the turbo to the cooler there was a film of oil. ie, Put your finger in and it comes out black.

Now I'm positive that means my turbo is on the way out. Am I right? How long do you think it will have left?

I decided not to boost it anymore than it is already (only set to 10psi) to try and keep it from dying too soon.

Also, what kind should I replace it with? I'm looking at keeping the internals, and injectors of the engine stock.

wil..

[N I B]

Dont worry, Every Skyline has oil in the cooler plumbing and it comes from the engine breather plumbed between the AFM and turbo, this is why we fit oil catch cans or separators.If its very bad it still can be the turbo.

[cameron]

This could mean:

1) Turbo oil seal has blown.

2) Piston rings have gone.

Get a mechanic to check it out, and after you check your turbo and if its alright get a Compression test on your cylinders.

Its only around $110 for a new oil seal in your turbo, so no need to replace the whole unit. If you change to a bigger turbo you will have to have the surporting systems to go with it. eg: afm, fuel pump, injectors - to be safe and ecu to get it tuned correctly.

If its your pistons rings that are shot through, Its time for a rebuild and some forgies .

hope that helps...

[N I B]

Never seen anyone rebuild an R33 GTS turbo before.

[wilch]

So it is relatively normal? (It was like a thin film of oil in the pipe. No oil came out of the intercooler)

Compression should be fine. Had a compression test done 3 months or so ago, and all was good. Also made a decent 167rwkw @10psi (w/ just full 3" exhaust, and ebc) at the Skyline Dyno day at UAS a while back. So hopefully the engine is still ok. I don't drive it that hard.

So it's only $110 to get a new oil seal? I was told more than that... hmmm.

Are there any aftermarket turbo's that are the same/similar size to the stock R33 GTS-T turbo but ball bearing? Also what's the average cost?

wil..

[cameron]

So it is relatively normal? (It was like a thin film of oil in the pipe. No oil came out of the intercooler)

Compression should be fine. Had a compression test done 3 months or so ago, and all was good. Also made a decent 167rwkw @10psi (w/ just full 3" exhaust, and ebc) at the Skyline Dyno day at UAS a while back. So hopefully the engine is still ok. I don't drive it that hard.

So it's only $110 to get a new oil seal? I was told more than that... hmmm.

Are there any aftermarket turbo's that are the same/similar size to the stock R33 GTS-T turbo but ball bearing? Also what's the average cost?

wil..

If theirs no oil in the cooler then thats fine. I was more thinking when you said fingre is black with wet oil that their was a lot more of it.

Steve,

I would'nt think a fairly standard skyline would need a oil catch can. You would only need one once you start putting big turbos and going for max power, As your car would be running a lot hotter and oil will be thinner and then going into catch can.

I'd still be cautious and if it gets worse get it checked out!

[N I B]

All RBs can do with a catch can as they do get an oil film inside the cooler and plumbing macking them less efficient.