ErrlyBird Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Afraid my turbo is in trouble, waiting to take the next step. Took my car in for a diagnosis at Kwik Kar (where I get my fluids changed) due to a very mild a hot/burning oil smell and a heightened worry of turbo problems with 72k on this long block (217k on the car). They took my car back into the shop for about 10 minutes before calling me back. The mechanic shined his light down towards my turbo and I saw a puddle of oil. He said that they don't like to work on turbos and that I should take it to a dealer for a complete diagnostic rundown to get everything checked out. I'm driving my car as absolutely little as possible until everything gets sorted out. Should I just take it to get looked at by the dealer for the next step? Edit: I'm looking for the best way to DIAGNOSE the problem, not needing it diagnosed over the internet. I appreciate any help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslaya Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 where is the oil pooling up? it very well could be the valve cover gaskets if its on the heads. if its where the intake inlet attaches to the turbo it could also be coolant leaking from the reservoir near it. if you can upload some picture that would be helpful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTEASER Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 Pull your intercooler off and see if there is oil in it and in your TB hose. If so, the turbo seals are blown and it's only a matter of time before it goes full spoon in the garbage disposal. GTEASER's 2012 Legacy GT - Sold GTEASER's 2009 XTeaser - Sold GTEASER's 1992 Legacy SS - Sold Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErrlyBird Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 where is the oil pooling up? it very well could be the valve cover gaskets if its on the heads. if its where the intake inlet attaches to the turbo it could also be coolant leaking from the reservoir near it. if you can upload some picture that would be helpful Will do. I'm still learning and this is the first car I've owned which I've put my own work and choices into, some of those terms are lost on me with my current understanding of components. Basically the guy told me the first day that oil was everywhere and he was going to put dye into it to help pinpoint the source. Don't think he used the UV light to see the dye after he saw a pool close to the turbo. I will upload a picture of the spot he pointed out to me at the shop ASAP but I'm looking for the best way to DIAGNOSE the problem not necessarily needing it diagnosed over the internet. I appreciate any help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErrlyBird Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 I'm thinking he opened the hood to start the diagnosis, checked the turbo first, saw pooled oil, suspected the turbo, told me to get it diagnosed by the dealer (subaru/turbo specialist). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErrlyBird Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 Pull your intercooler off and see if there is oil in it and in your TB hose. If so, the turbo seals are blown and it's only a matter of time before it goes full spoon in the garbage disposal. Will get back with results. I've done enough research to scare myself into expecting the worst. If the whole turbo is done then some serious contemplation will be going on to decide between OEM, a 52 with fuel upgrades, or a new car. Replacing the turbo would bring the problem of finding a suitable shop near me. I'm in KCMO and Modified by KC's polar-mixed reviews aren't putting me at ease. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xt2005bonbon Posted March 4, 2016 Share Posted March 4, 2016 ^Aren't they any shops in your area who specialize in Subaru? If yes, I would bring my car there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErrlyBird Posted March 4, 2016 Author Share Posted March 4, 2016 Took it to my regular mechanic today, awaiting the news. ^Aren't they any shops in your area who specialize in Subaru? If yes, I would bring my car there. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find any Subaru specialists near me but have found a couple tuning shops. Nothing too promising thus far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redslaya Posted March 5, 2016 Share Posted March 5, 2016 Where are you located? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErrlyBird Posted March 5, 2016 Author Share Posted March 5, 2016 Where are you located? Kansas City Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
relative4 Posted March 5, 2016 Share Posted March 5, 2016 Clean up as much oil as possible, run the car for a minute, see where it shows up first. There's a little breather hose top rear center of block that cracks and leaks a bunch of oil down the turbo side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FoodItYourself Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 If there is a technical/vocational high school in your area they might be able to help. Many have shops run by the upper classfolk. Might be worth a call to the school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErrlyBird Posted March 8, 2016 Author Share Posted March 8, 2016 Got my car back from my mechanic yesterday, good news for now. Turns out the main oil leak was just the drain plug gasket- Kwik Kar -replaced that and also fixed up a couple small oil leaks they found. No more oil smell so far. He checked out the turbo and said it seemed fine although was leaking a very small amount of oil. He said if I am worried I should take it to the dealer for a turbo-specific diag. I'm happy for now having taken care of the leaks and when I go in for my recall work in the beginning of April I'll probably have the dealer check the turbo out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 Good that you have time to look for a Subaru shop around your area. Check the local forums even the Honda forums for a trusted shop. My trusted mechanic/repair shop fix's anything with wheels and tires. Ask around the auto parts stores who they would recommend if there car needed work. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unsp0kn Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 I'd strongly suggest doing your own oil changes from now on, can't always trust the "techs" at some of those lube joints. Could have found that leak and fixed it easily! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErrlyBird Posted March 8, 2016 Author Share Posted March 8, 2016 Saw what looked like smoke coming from the hood scoop today... Hoping some residual oil from the leak. Going to check the level next time I drive. I'd strongly suggest doing your own oil changes from now on, can't always trust the "techs" at some of those lube joints. Could have found that leak and fixed it easily! Plannin' on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted March 8, 2016 Share Posted March 8, 2016 My cars have the Fumoto oil drain valves. makes it easier. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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