A Few Thoughts About a Leaking Turbo

There is nothing quite like your car puffing out clouds of smoke down the road. Not only is it embarrassing but it can also get you a citation from the cops, so what do you do? Well if your car is naturally aspirated or a supercharger equipped vehicle then you are in some serious trouble. You need to get the car to a mechanic right away. If you have a turbocharger in your car then it may be an easy fix that could lead to something very expensive.

When there is smoke pouring out of an exhaust it can be caused by a number if issues. The color of the smoke will help determine the issue that your car is facing. With oil smoke the key is to figure out why the car is smoking. Most mechanics will give the old “your turbo’s done gone” but that may not be the case, if you follow this advice it can cost you a lot more than money. A leaking turbo can be caused by the seals in the turbo being worn out or it can also be other more serious issues as well. For instance “blow by” in the engine can cause pressure in the oil system and force oil out of the turbo seals. Blow by is the term for when air escapes around the pistons and enters the bottom end of the motor. Blow by is a sign of a failing engine that needs to be addressed asap.

On some turbo cars if the intake is restricted due to pinched lines or a clogged filter the turbos will create a vacuum in the intake. This will actually draw oil out of the turbo through the seals and create smoke.

There are lots more reasons that can cause smoking or oil leaking from a turbo,  just remember to have the mechanic check the car thoroughly. Don’t just let him tell you “turbo’s broke” because you could be in for a world of hurt if you do.