If a turbo leaks, does that mean the oil seals are gone?
 

I know, it sounds like a dumb question but hear me out.

I pulled off the twins from a motor with very low milage that has been sitting for quite some time only to see that oil had dripped into the INTAKE TO the turbos. There was no real indication of oil being blown BY the turbos into the intercooler from the time that the motor actually ran.

Is it possible that cranking the engine by hand (and thus turning the oil pump) could have forced a bit of oil thru the turbos? Does this mean that the seals are gone, or do turbos do that? I've always wondered whether or not the turbos had to be actually spinning to maintain proper oil sealage.

Same goes with any turbo, not just the twins. If a turbo leaks on your bench top, does that mean it will DEFINITELY leak in the car when its running?

i dont know much about turbos.. im sure most of you turbo guys would have a quick answer to this Q

If your running the stock PCV system, u'll probably see some oil in the intake of the primary turbine and up through the piping... :)