Is my turbo on its way out?

[steslatt]

i was on the way home and i put my foot down, i heard a big bang/pop. this was followed by black smoke and no power. i was only 15 seconds from home so when i got there i looked under the bonnet. the intercooler pipe had come off. i re-fit it and took the car out again and it seemed fine, but as i re-fit the pipe i noticed oil inside it. does this mean my turbo is on its way out?

 

[Bondiblu]

It will depend how much oil you are talking about. Generally there seems to be a build up of oil due to the fact that the crank breather is piped into the air intake system, and this is specifically why some people use "catch tanks" to help remedy the oil build up.

 

[steslatt]

well it wasnt dripping out but there was quite a bit, bit i dont know how much, too much is

 

[Bondiblu]

I had the same concerns when I first noticed oil in the intercooler pipework, but I'm on my 4th TDI now and they all do it. If you concerned, take it in to a VAG specialist and ask their opinion. I asked my local at the time and they tried to tell me the turbo was on the way out, but I then went to someone who works on VAG (specific) all the time and was told it's normal (to a point obviously).

 

[steslatt]

cheers mate, i'll get it checked out. im glad it wasnt the turbo that went, that was my first thought until i looked under the bonnet, i was nearly in tears

 

[Bondiblu]

cheers mate, i'll get it checked out. im glad it wasnt the turbo that went, that was my first thought until i looked under the bonnet, i was nearly in tears

Ha Ha been there, done that, got the T-shirt and video lol, I'm sure it'll be ok, though you probably going to need to replace part of the intercooler piping soon. Once it starts popping off it's a sure sign it's worn.

 

[steslatt]

Already there mate, gonna order one today. need a part number, gonna post a pic up now

 

[GlanzaV]

I'll agree here - Don't worry about a bit of oil in the IC pipe. Should be fine.