Is this turbo SHOT?

[Hafrod]

I bought a USED TE44 off ebay. Got it today. With the exhaust elbow off,the fins are VERY OILY looking(exhaust side only)! It has a little up and down play but the fins don't rub the housing. The guy said it had 5000 miles on it and it was good. Doesn't it mean the turbo bearings are shot if the exhaust impeller is soaked with oil or could it be something else?

 

[Hafrod]

I might also add that there is NO side to side play just a slight up and down.

 

[Hot Air]

Call the manufacturer or John Craig.
Conrad

 

[pontiac6269]

If there is no in and out play and slight up and down, as long as the wheels haven't touched the housings the bearings should be ok. Could be an oil seal leaking.