16-07-2012, 08:52 PM
Firstly - ALL turbocharged engines that use Journal Bearing turbos will pass oil if they've done more than about 50k miles - how much is another matter...
These engines also recycle their breather gasses into the inlet before the turbocharger (obviously cannot be post, because otherwise you'd end up boosting your crankcase)... Therefore inevitably your breather oil ends up in your intercooler...
Don't assume it's knackered until you get issues from the Turbo, take off the inlet pipe and feel for thrust play (in and out) and lateral play (side to side) - there should be a VERY small amount of lateral play, and NO thrust play... But saying that, I've had turbos that have lasted for months with chronic thrust play...
I'm going to bet on breather gasses mostly.
These engines also recycle their breather gasses into the inlet before the turbocharger (obviously cannot be post, because otherwise you'd end up boosting your crankcase)... Therefore inevitably your breather oil ends up in your intercooler...
Don't assume it's knackered until you get issues from the Turbo, take off the inlet pipe and feel for thrust play (in and out) and lateral play (side to side) - there should be a VERY small amount of lateral play, and NO thrust play... But saying that, I've had turbos that have lasted for months with chronic thrust play...
I'm going to bet on breather gasses mostly.
