Oil leak from Turbo? Advice needed!!

[johnboy]

My passat has a oil leak from the turbo area and I was wondering if anyone had come across anything similar. The engine is a AAz with a KKK K03.
basically the bulkhead heat shield just behind the turbo is getting a light covering of oil. Ive had a good look and the wastegate actuator rod is getting damp but the rest of the turbo looks dry (ish!) If I put my hand down the back of the turbo i can feel air blowing when i rev the engine (its not the down pipe gasket!) so Im guessing that this could be the actuator that is leaking air under boost and thats where the oil is coming from or could it be escaping from the turbo somewhere else?
Any suggestions or ideas?

[Vincent Waldon]

It's actually pretty common for the bearings on a turbo to seep a bit over time... a light coat of oil on the heat shield is actaully fairly normal for a turbo with some miles on it.

One thing to try is to pop the air intake to the turbo and try to wiggle the turbo shaft... if there is little movement you are probably just seeing normal wear... a lot of movement tells you the bearing is on its way out.

I've seen TDs with oil dripping down the turbo and a full spray pattern against the heatshield that still ran fine.  The danger with running a really leaky turbo is that the oil can begin to fuel the engine and cause it to "run-away"... continue to run even with the key turned off.  In extreme cases the engine overruns and implodes... not a pretty sight and can cause accidents obviously.

Sounds like you have a mild case but checking the shaft wear is a logical next step.

If you're handy rebuild kits are available for these turbos... it can be a painful job because of usually-rusted bolts, but its a lot cheaper than a new turbo.


Vince

[johnboy]

Good news, looks like the wastgate actuator is at fault, Ive disconnected it and put a air line on it, at 10-15psi there is a definate leak! good job has has still been opreating the wastgate!
Should be able to source a second hand or recon one this week!