Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

I was doing an oil change and when I was under the vehicle changing the oil filter I noticed that the inlet part of the turbocharger housing was covered in what looked like old oil. I checked in my manual and it sed that if there is oil on the turbo housing then the oil drain pipe back to the engine could be blocked. I took off the rubber hose and it was clear, but I could not check the steel pipe running to the underneath of the turbo but I am assuming it is clear as well.

I suspect that maybe a seal has gone which I hope is not the case as this will require ( expensive? ) attention. The vehicle has covered over 285,000 km on the original turbo. I need this like a hole in the head as I am somewhat financially challenged at this moment. Is it a DIY proposition?

Can anyone help here and can put a rough estimate on repair costs? Is this a serious problem as there is no indication of a problem as the vehicle pulls like a train and there are no funny noises - just the oil.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 LWB

Andre Plant wrote:I was doing an oil change and when I was under the vehicle changing the oil filter I noticed that the inlet part of the turbocharger housing was covered in what looked like old oil. I checked in my manual and it sed that if there is oil on the turbo housing then the oil drain pipe back to the engine could be blocked. I took off the rubber hose and it was clear, but I could not check the steel pipe running to the underneath of the turbo but I am assuming it is clear as well.

I suspect that maybe a seal has gone which I hope is not the case as this will require ( expensive? ) attention. The vehicle has covered over 285,000 km on the original turbo. I need this like a hole in the head as I am somewhat financially challenged at this moment. Is it a DIY proposition?

Can anyone help here and can put a rough estimate on repair costs? Is this a serious problem as there is no indication of a problem as the vehicle pulls like a train and there are no funny noises - just the oil.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8 LWB

Andre,

A few points.
The seals on the turbo shaft seldom 'start leaking'. They go with a bang, which leaves no question as to whether they went or not.

The fact that you say

... the inlet part of the turbocharger housing was covered in what looked like old oil.

points to the oil being sucked in via the Positive Crank case Ventilation system.
There is a rubber pipe (±25mm dia) from the tappet cover to the inlet pipe of the turbo (usually between the filter and the turbo). Oily air is vented from the crank case via this pipe.
Some of it sticks to the inlet pipes and get stuck in the inter cooler.
The rest of the oil is then burned in the engine.
It is normal.
To have oil in the inlet of the turbo is normal.

I would suggest that you only clean out the intercooler.

• remove
• clean with petrol
• clean with soapy water
• rinse with clean water
• leave in sun to dry
• re fit

PS If push comes to shove, a turbo can be rebuilt for less than R5k, (unless there is major mechanical breakages such as impellers etc)