Installed turbo on my 91 LS months ago. When I did i ran into one main big problem…Oil in intercooler piping along with in my exhaust. First quick thought that maybe my return line wasn’t letting the oil return to the pan and was backing into my turbo. Looking for pics of where the return line was welded on the oil pan. the second thought for what might be a little more serious was blowing the seals in the turbo. Someone told me that you are suppose to break in a new turbo by doing certain procedures. Got this kit for pretty much nothing so decided to throw it on the car. So, who knows probably more questions to come. Any help with ideas on the oil problem. Now heading back into this project and want to get it going for spring, something to do during the winter. Thanks.
Casey
Oh ya, not the most turbo knowledgable. Not dumb with mechanics, but no experience. Reading in threads and willing and wanting to learn. So bear with me if I’m a dumbass!
maybe your center cartridge isnt tight when the turbo was clocked at one time. that causes the oil to enter the ex. and i.c piping
Make sure that your oil return line is mostly vertical. Remember that oil comes in under pressure, but exits via gravity. Another possible cause is a clogged air passage or dirty air filter.
What turbo are you using? If the return line is unrestricted and large, it sounds like it could also be a problem with the feed line pressure being too high. Is it a high quality line -3an Line with a build in restrictor? A lot of people had had issues with this.
The turbo is a (sad to say) cheap ebay t3/t4. If i had went and bought one it would have been different choice, but like i said i kinda fell into this kid for about nothing.
The return line is pretty much vertical, that’s why i asked for where the oil pan should be tapped, had me worried it was too low and possibly oil coming back up into the turbo from that. The feed line is a stainless line not sure of size or restrictor, this afternoon will go get pic of it again came with the kit. Relatively small but can’t really remember size off the top of my head.
If it were the center cartridge is that something that could now be tightened? If so, how?
Air passages are clean, filter is new.
found picture of oil feed from when i was installing it. Will still have to check on the restrictor.
I haven’t checked but i do believe it does have a oil restrictor, Ive been sitting here thinking about it and i think i installed it. Not 100% until i get over to check.
couldnt there also be a problem with the pcv system causing lots off blow by or there might not even be a proper system in place.
First of all, how much oil are we talking? A little is OK.
Ebay turbos = crap, dude. Did you buy the set up new or used? If used, how badly used?
If center cartrige is in good shape, and your return line is unrestricted you should not be leaking oil even without a flow restrictor on the pressure side.
Here’s what I would do:
1.Read the Turbo Guide.
2.Make sure PCV system is working properly.
If still oily, get a turbo out of a Saab at a junkyard. They’re T3 Garretts.
Not many places will rebuild Ebay shit.
So, here’s what I did. Removed everything, turbo, oil lines, going to re-install them making sure everything is okay. No oil restrictor was used, could be first problem. Got one, installed it, waiting on DP gasket to finish everything up and get to start it up. Also need new intercooler piping, make the install alot nicer, and after a fit can’t find a piece or two.
There was quite a bit of oil. The ebay turbo I got as a kit, from a friend new, who needed to dump it. Got it all for 150 bucks. I just couldnt say no. Had my old 91 LS hanging out in the garage not being driven hardly ever so I decided to turn it into a project. Now after months of life and money troubles I’m back at it again, trying to atleast get it goin maybe to sell but I dont know.
Found saab turbo from friend at a junkyard if it goes that route. But thinkin about it it was a new saab and I don’t think there the same as old years. What year Saab will ahve that t3/t4 turbo? Trying to figure out what I want to do with IC piping make universal, founda used kit from g2ic member, or go with a kit for the car. Who knows, money for the IC piping hard right now, got a baby in less then a month so on a tight budget, wife is strict, but makes sense.
I got mine out of an 89 Saab 9000. It’s small, .42A/R compressor side. You can rotate the compressor outlet to point wherever you want for a better fit. My friend is running the same turbo on a BMW 1.8L @ 8psi it’s fast enough.
