Symptom: Oil Leak from Compressor Housing

Warning: The troubleshooting guide may only be conducted with the vehicle in drive-able condition. Please stop the trials at signs of engine malfunction such as black smoke, excessive oil consumption, or run-away engine.

 

Oil leaks can be caused by many factors, the main factor being incorrect pressure within the compressor and turbine housings. Oil leaks can cause vital damage to the bearing systems and occur within seconds of turbocharging.

 

Check for Boost Leaks:

Firstly, please check the following 4 points before inspection of the turbocharger.

1. Compressor housing outlet, intercooler circuit, and connections.
2. Turbine Housing inlet, manifold circuit, gasket, and connections.
3. Turbine Housing outlet, dump pipe circuit, gaskets and connections.
4. Compressor housing inlet, air filter clean situation and connections.

 

When a turbocharger is installed correctly, it should NOT leak oil, however, there can be cases where oil leaks occur. The following highlights some of the main causes and signs of oil leaks:

Possible Cause		Possible Remedy
Restricted engine crankcase breather		Refer to engine manufacturer's manual, clear restriction
Turbocharger bearing housing sludged or coked		Change engine oil and oil filter, overhaul or replace turbocharger as required
Worn engine piston rings or liners		Refer to engine manufacturer's manual and repair as required
Burnt valves and/or pistons		Refer to engine manufacturer's manual and repair as required
Excessive dirt build up on compressor wheel and/or diffuser vanes		Clean in accordance with details/instructions from Kinugawa Turbo Systems
Turbocharger damaged		Find and correct cause of failure, repair or replace turbocharger as necessary
Restricted turbocharger oil drain line		Remove restriction or replace damaged parts as required

 

Final Checks: