Oil in the intercooler pipes

[fgordon]

I removed my intercooler pipe and found oil in the pipe. Checked the turbo outlet and found a slight coating of oil also. I assume this is the compressor side bearing seal failing. I guess I'm clutching at straws to avoid a turbo rebuild but, is there another possible cause?

 

[QUIP'6']

nope

I removed my intercooler pipe and found oil in the pipe. Checked the turbo outlet and found a slight coating of oil also. I assume this is the compressor side bearing seal failing. I guess I'm clutching at straws to avoid a turbo rebuild but, is there another possible cause?

 

[RUQWKNF]

Ditto.
The only place for the oil to come from is the oil seal behind the compressor wheel. When you tear it down, you will need to remove your MAF and very carefully clean it as well. When you let off under WOT, if the turbo is leaking oil, when it reverses on decel, that leaking oil will soak your MAF and MAF pipe/hose. Hate to say it, but time for a rebuild. Hopefully, you MAF will be ok, but it wouldn't surprise me if it took a dive a couple of months after your repair has been done. Wouldn't take much oil on the heated element or the circuit board to cause issues. Also, don't forget to flush your IC and pipes as well possibly doing Top Engine treatment proceedure.
Just giving you a heads up.

Patrick

 

[mikestertwo]

If you still have the vent tube from the valve cover hooked up to the inlet of the turbo, you will get oil.

 

[RUQWKNF]

Correct, forgot about the factory rubber hose from the valve cover breather to the compressor cover inlet on a stocker. Most people remove it and install the K&N breather, it slipped my mind.
Good catch.