Turbocharger Internal Oil Leak Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Some engine oil may be present in the turbocharger compressor inlet and in the air inlet components due to the crankcase breather system. This is normal. Visible oil buildup on the turbo outlet, especially for heavy duty use, is also typical and does not indicate a turbo failure necessarily.

Check the turbocharger compressor inlet for evidence of oil. If excessive oil is present, this indicates that the failure could be in the engine or turbocharger. Refer to ENGINE - 6.7L DIESEL or continue with the following turbocharger check.
Check the turbo compressor outlet tube for oil build-up. If excessive oil is found in the turbocharger compressor outlet, check the Charge Air Cooler (CAC) for oil contamination. Refer to INTAKE AIR DISTRIBUTION & FILTERING .
For high oil consumption and/or exhaust smoke concerns, check the turbocharger turbine outlet for evidence of liquid oil. If found, examine the turbo inlet pipes from the exhaust manifolds for evidence of oil build-up. If found, the oil source is most likely the engine cylinders. If no restrictions are found and no oil found in the turbine inlet up-pipes, oil source is most likely the internal turbo oil seal and install a new turbocharger. Refer to TURBOCHARGER - EXPLODED VIEW and Turbocharger .