Turbocharger Internal Oil Leak Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2018 Ford F-450 Super Duty, and 2018 Ford F-350 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
It is normal for a small amount of combustion gas to pass into the crankcase. This gas is scavenged into the air intake system through the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) system, which incorporates an crankcase vent oil separator. Some engine oil, in the form of a vapor is carried into the air intake system with the blow-by gases (this engine oil also contributes to valve seat durability). This means that oil will collect inside the air intake components and the turbocharger. This is not an indication that the turbocharger oil seal has failed. The turbocharger oil seal will generally not fail unless the bearings fail first, which will cause the turbocharger to become noisy or seize. Do not install a new turbocharger due to oil inside the turbocharger or the air intake components. If a leak is detected in the oil supply connections, locate and rectify the source. Do not install a new turbocharger due to an oil leak.
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
. Or see the following turbocharger check. If excessive oil is found in the turbocharger compressor outlet, check the CAC (charge air cooler) for oil contamination. If contamination is present, flush the CAC. Refer to: Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Cleaning
.
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, the oil source is most likely the internal turbo oil seal, install a new turbocharger. Refer to: Turbocharger .