Hey Guys,

I've been searching the forums and can't seem to find exactly what I need. I seem to have developed a minor oil leak. When I look under the car, the undercarriage/engine mount and anything close to it are covered in oily dirt as in the picture attached. Also, when I stop after a hard drive, there is smoke coming from the turbo area. It still drives fine and although I don't have a boost gauge (planning on getting one soon), it still drives like it has full boost. My presumption is that some oil is leaking from the turbo and when I come to a stop, it drips onto the exhaust manifold or other hot parts and burns up. This fit with the smoke smelling like burning oil. From the limited amount I've found on here, it seems like the leak is coming from a loose/broken input or output hose for oil into the turbo. Does my diagnosis make sense? What else could it be? How serious of a problem is this? Is it something I could fix myself, and if so, are there any guides on here for how to get to the turbo?

 

pretty serious considering you may be getting oil in contact with THE HOTTEST part/area of the entire car - an area more than capable of igniting it as liquid or vapor. you also should specify your car ... by your use of "turbo" as a singular, I will assume you have a T2, but ....

you need start with one of two basic things: either clean the engine and undercarriage to track the pinpoint the leak yourself ... OR ... take it to someone that competently can fix it for you.

there is no shame in admitting that you can't do it yourself, but if you are going to try. as I said, you need to find it. that process begins with cleaning everything and running the engine in controlled settings and checking constantly for leaks. it also helps to park on something that will not soak up oil that drips, that way you can use drips as a clue if need be.

there are a few threads in this very section in which I detail common leaks on N/A cars. to that list, you would simply add the various oil lines and washers associated with turbo oil supply and drain; perhaps a few other areas if you have an FD.

 

Sorry that I never specified and may have used misleading terminology, but I have an FD.

I tried doing some simple cleaning, but with my current stand setup it's hard to get anything done. Also, using drips to pinpoint the leak own necessarily help because it lands on the undercarriage first before dripping onto the pavement/whatever is beneath the car. Upon further investigation, the leak seems to be coming from the inner side or top of the back of the secondary turbo. I tried taking off the exhaust pipe right there to get a clearer view, but with my current limited setup, it's simply not possible. It looks I may have to admit I can't do it.

 

well, I somehow failed to realize that you had a photo attached in your original post. I would have seen that you have an FD if I did. nevertheless, it's a good idea when asking for help outside of your "Generation" forum to post what kind of car you have.

hey, as I said, there's no shame in admitting you need someone else to do it. it's better than putting it off until you get the 911 - ooops! - I mean until the frantic 911 call.

with the kind of cleaning you need to do when tracking an oil leak, even if it hits the subframe before it gets to the ground, you would know it and that, in itself, gives you useful information. moot point now though, I know.

find someone as soon as you can.