Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil in turbo intake, blue smoke when cold

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

I have had blue smoke coming out of my tailpipe while my truck is warming up. It's been getting worse over time. It is a bone stock 12v. I checked the turbo intake and it's got alot of oil and some side to side play in the shaft. I'm a newbie, please help, do I need to rebuild turbo, replace seals, bearings? Any help appreciated

 

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

Bump. .

 

[BigPapa]

Welcome to TDR.

There's no need to bump every two hours. Lots of folks can't get on during the day and only get on when they get home.

Now, where is the oil? In the tube between the turbo and the air box or coming out of the turbo to the CAC?

SOME side to side play is OK as long as the wheel isn't contacting the housing. I would be more concerned with in-and-out play.

 

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

Thanks.. sorry I'll have to remember people have jobs. I use the truck for work and haven't been able to make a dime. But anyways, the oil is in the intake side of the turbo around and especially under the impeller. I compared it to my dad's identical 1995 model and his is as clean as a whistle.

 

[BigPapa]

Is it in the tube between the air box and the turbo or just in the throat of the turbo? What kind of air filter are you running?

 

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

Yes it is in the throat of the turbo especially under the blades of the impeller. I'm running a stock air filter

 

[BigPapa]

Sounds like it's time for a turbo or at least a rebuild.

Pull the tube from the turbo to the CAC and see what you have. I'd also pull the boot on the intake horn and inspect. If you have oil there you need to remove all the CAC pipes and boots, the CAC, the intake horn, and the intake cover and clean all the oil out. Take the CAC to a radiator shop and have them clean it.

If there's a lot of oil in the intake horn and the CAC I'd say your fortunate you haven't had a runaway.

I would also check your airbox and air filter to make sure something's not warped where it's not sealing and dusting the turbo.

 

[Woodenhead]

I've been down this road. You can get a rebuild kit for a Holset on ebay for $40 and rebuild it yourself. I've done a couple and it's not rocket science if you're somewhat handy with the tools. It would be a good idea to check for radial play on the shaft. I think the total allowable movement for an HX35 and HX40 is 0.012-0.020" but it'd be best to verify that. I have a service manual for Holset turbos as well as a data sheet I could email you for help.

 

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

Thanks, I ordered a kit from holset for 46$, and of I have troube I'll be spammin ya :-laf

 

[Woodenhead]

Have you had a good look at the compressor wheel to see if it rubbed the housing? I had an HT3B rub when it puked oil, or puke oil when it rubbed. Either way, might be good to check before you get too far into this.*

 

[Dodge1994'12v3500]

I checked and I really had to push on it to get play. The was a little side to side but it seemed like a normal amount, checked my dad's 95 and his was about the same, and his is clean.