Turbo inlet - what is this?

[Michael Fagone]

I’ve searched forums and Google and can’t find anything that explains why the inlet of my turbo looks like this. What is this strange deposit?

 

[DRAG DIESEL]

Oil residue buildup, do you have a K&N, AFE or any type of washable filter?

 

[Signal73]

If you are talking about the deposit at the 4:00 position if you cannot scrape it off with your fingernail I’d assume it’s just part of the initial casting although it does look a little rough.

 

[Michael Fagone]

Oil residue buildup, do you have a K&N, AFE or any type of washable filter?

Nope. All stock. Truck has 182k on it and I believe the turbo is original.

 

[Michael Fagone]

If you are talking about the deposit at the 4:00 position if you cannot scrape it off with your fingernail I’d assume it’s just part of the initial casting although it does look a little rough.

I tried to scrape it off gently but it’s on there solid. Truck runs great and I’m learning about “if it ain’t broke” but just looks odd.

 

[Whitewolf]

I'm going to agree with Signal73. Because you posted such a great pic of the turbo, I zoomed in and can see where the machining process took off the high spots of part of the extremely rough body section. I've seen this kind of stuff before, not on a turbo, but I've seen it. It's possible the body of the turbo was 'sand cast' and that part didn't get compacted completely. IMHO it won't hurt things, especially if it hasn't so far.

 

[Michael Fagone]

I'm going to agree with Signal73. Because you posted such a great pic of the turbo, I zoomed in and can see where the machining process took off the high spots of part of the extremely rough body section. I've seen this kind of stuff before, not on a turbo, but I've seen it. It's possible the body of the turbo was 'sand cast' and that part didn't get compacted completely. IMHO it won't hurt things, especially if it hasn't so far.

Thanks for your feedback. Your explanation seems logical and I’m going to leave it alone given the truck runs great.