Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) intercooler oil leak?

[BRUTUS]

While installing the new front 5 speed Rancho shocks, I noticed what looked like a moderate oil leak by the large hose at the bottom of the intercooler hose- to- pipe on the drivers side. The clamp is tight and no obvious leaks are visible anywhere else in the intercooler pipes or anything else in the area.

How could oil have gotten there? What can I check for?

The archives do not address this problem.

The truck has 21,000 miles on it, has a occasional missing or sputter at 15-1800 rpm range but runs just fine otherwise.

Thoughts please?

Thanks

 

[Rob Thomas]

I don't have an auto, so I don't know which side the trans lines goto, but I'd check those. The intercooler doesn't have oil in it, so look elsewhere. What about the blowby bottle? That damn thing can make a real mess in the radiator and surrounding areas.



Later, Rob

 

[The patriot]

Oil seals in the turbo?

Eric

 

[andrewkoperdak]

I get some oil residue on the right side of my truck. I can only see to possibilities for the cause. 1) this is where I spill oil when I change my filter. Sometimes I guess I don't wipe it all up. 2) I believe that one of my AC lines is leaking by. You might say that you aren't using your AC but remember if you use your defroster it runs the AC to dry the air. Anyway those are my thoughts

 

[BRUTUS]

Oil leak sources

Thank you all for your suggestions.

The blow-by bottle was relocated some time ago and is now gumming up the axle housing. Not the cause of the oil leak at the intercooler hose.

The other lines and oil spills do not seem to be the culprits.

Eric may have pinpointed the source as the turbo, as a slight oily smudge is visible and appears to run into the rubber hose at the base of the turbo housing.

I'll get the dealer to check it next week and will let you all know.

 

[MikeO]

There is NO turbo on the face of this earth that does not seep oil through the seal. Every turbo vehicle I have owned (gas and diesel) will accumulate oil in the lowest part of the post turbo intake tract.



I have an Audi that I race. After about six months of track time, I can guarantee if I take the hose before the intercooler off, I will get a half quart of oil... and that is on a $1200 turbo!



Relax, it is normal especially if your truck is bombed. If you have ever taken a sleeve bearing turbo apart, you will realize why they leak. 50psi of oil pressure vs. 20-30psi of boost = oil seepage.



Mike O.

 

[BRUTUS]

Phew. what a relief!

Your post will save me a bunch of grief and money.

I'll just take that hose off, clean the area, and periodically check and keep a weary eye out for worsening.

Folks like you and the TDR are the greatest

Thank you

 

[The patriot]

Sorry I didnt make that clear Brutus.

If it were a "blown seal" you'd be billowing clouds of smoke.

Eric

 

[BRUTUS]

I appreciated your input Eric. This is a learning opportunity for me and everyone's help led me to the solution.

I pulled the offending side hose/connector and metal tube today.

Everything was coated with a thin coat of clean oil which had beaded around the various seams. The lower rubber hose had an abrasive cut where the frame metal had rubbed it, and no doubt, under boost pressure, allowed the leak to the outside that I noticed yesterday.

For now it's a duct tape fix, but the rubber connecting sleeve will have to be replaced when I can get a new one next week.

Better this way. I would have gone bananas worrying about a gradual boost loss and finding it where this leak is hiding...