Oil in intercooler pipes

[ajc106]

Hi gents when i fitted my r.i.p kit the other week i found a fair bit of oil in the old pipe work dose this point to a turbo refurb needed or could this just be down to valve stem oil seals i have a spare head to refurb and fit just wondered if the turbo was a more likely cause also burns oil on start up which makes me think of the valve stem seals any info would be great thanks

[claymore]

Oil in the intercooler pipes is quite normal. There's even an oil drain hole at the bottom of the intercooler.

[ajc106]

Thanks look s like a head refurb is on the cards then oh joy

[T5frankie]

if its puffing out the back once the engine is warm on idle, thats stem seals

[Harvey]

Also have a look at the PCV system this can cause the engine to use/burn oil.
Just run the engine up until its nice and hot,15min drive,pull the oil dip stick if you see smoke/steam escaping then it's needs looking at.
Also can cause the turbo to pass oil aswell.

[ajc106]

only puffs the blue smoke on start up once its up and warm no smoke ??

[nobananas]

Quick puff of blue smoke on start up may well be stem seals as oil runs down the valve stems and collects on the back of the valves . Also remember that your PCV system vents into the intake pipe just before the turbo so oil can get into the intercooler pipes from there (think catch tank ) but you will always get some oil collecting in the pipework.

[M-R-P]

I never had oil in my pipes till I sorted my PCV. Says to me your PCV is clear and healthy and you may have a little valve seal trouble but if you're not generating smoke trails as you drive to work, you're probably ok for now. Keep an eye on the startup smoke, in case it gets worse.

[ajc106]

thanks for the advice guys think i will refurb my spare head just so i have a good one ready to fit when needed great help as allways

[brett5]

mine smoke like yours and it was the stem seals they were all hard and cracked just finishe doing mine and all good :)

[Saaamon]

I wouldn't personally bother getting your head rebuilt, all old turbo cars will have oil in the pipe work. Run it till starts smoking then fix it.