I was looking at my turbo while changing oil today. Looks like there is some oil residue around the back of the turbo housing going downword from the turbo shaft. Not a puddle or dripping or anything just some residue. Obvliously something is causing it. Also it seems that I only get about 15-18 PSI of boost when I am getting on the truck then it sounds like the air is escaping somewhere. I checked all of the flex hoses for leaks and the clamps. All seems good. Could the air leak be the waste gate dumping boost since I have the stock exhaust with a tunner? Or could the air leak and the oil residue be pointing at the turbo going bad? Having the stock exhaust with the tunner I am careful not to ever let the EGT get over 1100 degrees. Seems like the boost starts bleading off before it ever gets that hot though. I also noticed a "remanufactured" sticker on the turbo housing itself. Not being the original owner I don't doubt that some part of the turbo has been changed after seeing that sticker. Is the turbo all or nothing when you change it or can you just change parts of it? Also if it's time to do something with the turbo would it be a good time to upgrade? Where is the best place to get what I need.

So
1- Should I be worried about the oil residue?
2- Any idea what the air leak sound is?
3- If I need to fix or replace the turbo is it all or nothing or just what is going bad?
4- If I have to tear into it, best place to get parts and should I upgrade while I am at it?

 

What year is the truck? How many miles?

Is the residue on the exhaust downpipe?


Also, there is no waste gate on the 6.0 turbo.

 

It is an 03 Excursion with 105K miles. When I look at the turbo from the passenger's side to the right (farthest forward) is the turbo inlet. Then there is a space with a connector and to the left of that (farthest back) is where the exhaust is. The residue is just behind the intake side. It is on the back side of the section where the intake hose is.

 

The oil drian is just behind the intake side of the turbo. There is 2 O rings one on the top side after the 90 deg bend. One of those have prob lost their seal.

When is the last time the turbo was changed? You have to pull the turbo to get to them. Ford advises to replace them after each turbo replacement.

This doesn't explain the lack of boost. Could be another turbo issue

 

Not to Hi-Jack but is there such a thing as a turbo rebuild/reseal kit?

 

where is a good place to get another turbo? Rebuilt or new? It really isn't as much of a leak as maybe a seep as it only has residue. I imagine that it will only get worse though and want to take care of whatever it is.

 

Only getting 15-18#s and hearing air sounds like you have a split cac tube. Check all of the tubes and remove and clean w/ brake cleaner. Replace if split and tighten to 9ftlbs. Could also be a blown intercooler making the sound you hear.

 

CAC tube? Is that the rubber flexible hoses that hold all the rigid tubing together?

 

yes they are.

 

You guys were right. There is a small rip in the hose that goes into the turbo. I would have never guessed it sinse when I have my F-250 when that hose went bad it blew off and tore. I'm thinking I just found it early this time.

So where can I get one? Got the last one from Summit Racing as a set but went to thier site and couldn't find thm this time. I know the dealer ones are an arm and a leg so where is the best place to pick them up?

Also when you change them, do you just clean them with brake clean? Any glue or anything that you can put on to help them stick?