turbo bearings
 

I am pulling everything out of my car again due to my sad story: https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generation-specific-1993-2002-16/my-sad-story-511867/ in preparation for another engine.

My question involves the turbos. I have pulled them off and they are covered in burnt oil inside (exhaust side, clearly from engine). My concern is that there is also fresh oil dripping from the snails. Is this a sure sign the seals are gone on the bearings? Or is there some other possible explanation? I think I know the answer... :( I need some good news here...

No, it is not blow-by, as the turbos were clean when installed and only have 400 very conservative highway miles (no boosting or cornering) since then.

For what it's worth, turbos feel fine... spin freely, no excessive play..

Oil on the intake side is normal. They are blown when there is enough oil blowing by the seals to make visible smoke out the back when you're boosting. IME it's hard to tell that just from looking at the insides, unless it's to the point of puddles dribbling out of the intake pipes.

I would put them back on the new engine and only worry if you see a bunch more smoke after a few hundred miles.

Dave

Thanks, Dave... that's encouraging. Probably 2 ml dribbled out of one side when I turned them over, and there was enough in the other side to coat my finger.

I will put them on and hope for the best...