I think my turbo seals are leaking oil.

[spankybear]

There is little to no blow by and the engine runs fine. The first indication is there is oil seeping out of the cross over on the intake. The next indication is there is oily soot in the tail pipe. I don't have much experience with the turbo engines and is this normal? It only smokes at startup. More so than any NA engine I have worked on.

I would let this ride but with the oily residue in the tail pipe this is going to be an issue where it will poison or plug the catalytic converter. What step would be best to check the turbo seal? I am assuming the turbine side is leaking along with the compressor side. Also are these turbos known to leak?

 

[M1028A1ShelterCarrier]

Im 3 for 3 all leaking. Id buy the $100 cartridge on epay and be done with that. 1 hour job. If you want to see the leak, take the cartridge off and fill the oil holes with water.

 

[TOBASH]

Remember that if too much oil begins to leak, the engine will use that oil as fuel and you can get a runaway engine. Fixing the problem by replacing the cartridge is prudent.

 

[spankybear]

So is there a better cartage to buy or just find the cheapest one I can find?

As for the oil and runaway. I know diesels can do this but I don't think this is too much an issue with these. After all it's not a 2 cycle Detroit with a blower and a turbo

 

[spankybear]

Are the ones linked below the correct part?
Is one better than the other or are these all made in the same sweatshop in China?

Turbo Charger Cartridge CHRA for GM6 Van GMC K-Trucks 6.5 Liter Billet Turbo | eBay

For 1996-2002 GMC Savana Van 2500 Models with 6.5L Diesel Engine. for 1996-2002 GMC Savana Van 3500 Models with 6.5L Diesel Engine. for 1996-2002 GMC Van 2500 Models with 6.5L Diesel Engine. for 1996-2002 GMC Van 3500 Models with 6.5L Diesel Engine.

www.ebay.com

For GMC Hummer H1 6.5L V8 DIESEL OHV GM GM7 GM-7 NEW Turbo Billet Cartridge CHRA | eBay

For 1996-00 Van GMC K-Trucks with 6.5 Liter. Turbo model. Turbo number.

www.ebay.com

Balanced Turbo Cartridge CHRA For GMC Hummer H1 6.5L V-8 DIESEL OHV GM GM7 GM-7 | eBay

Turbo for 1996-00 Van GMC K-Trucks with 6.5 Liter. Turbo model. Turbo number. for RHC6 billet compressor wheel.

www.ebay.com

For AMC Hummer H1 6.5L V-8 DIESEL OHV GM GM7 GM-7 Turbo charger Cartridge CHRA | eBay

12532429, 12553949, 599TC21010000, GM7 GM-7 GM 7. 2950014398169, 2950PL0875892, 2950-01-439-8169.

www.ebay.com

 

[M1028A1ShelterCarrier]

I have used the bottom one on your list with the blue background. It worked. I bought several of these cast ones to do all of my trucks and they have the best quality by far. I assume ever turbo is from china. I would recommend disassembling your turbo prior to ordering a cartridge in the event you have seized/broken bolt in the housing. I have a spare now due to a seized/broken bolt (make an offer) and had to replace the entire turbo$$$

 

[HoveringHMMWV]

I too purchased the turbo cartridge from the last photo. I think it’s been about a year since installation and no problems as of yet.
YMMV!

 

[spankybear]

Next question is there a paint that will not burn off if I want to paint the cast iron? Or maybe some type of coating like Cerakote? Might as well paint the housing while it's out.

 

[Mogman]

Next question is there a paint that will not burn off if I want to paint the cast iron? Or maybe some type of coating like Cerakote? Might as well paint the housing while it's out.

A light coating of rust is the correct patina

 

[HoveringHMMWV]

Next question is there a paint that will not burn off if I want to paint the cast iron? Or maybe some type of coating like Cerakote? Might as well paint the housing while it's out.

Eastwood and VHT make a high heat exhaust manifold paint in cast iron color.