7m-gte turbo leaking, need help...

[shaun185]

Hi guys, discovered my mz20 (7m-gte) is leaking oil (has left oil spots all over the driveway). I de-greased it underneath and now have pinpointed the oil leak to the turbo . I assume this means the turbo seals have blown and the turbo needs a rebuild. Am I correct? What turbo is this anyway?

My car doesn't have a lot of power bottom end, so I am thinking that maybe a turbo with a smaller back would suit me better. What other turbos can I fit, how much are they and where can I source them?

I'm new to turbo cars so I really have no idea here. Should I get the turbo rebuilt, or should I try for another turbo?

Thanks.

PS. Can someone please give me an approximate price of a turbo rebuild...

[RA35GT]

G'Day mate,

Where on the turbo is it leaking from? If its just from the oil line connection it may just need a new gasket. Is it blowing any smoke when driving ?

If the turbo is factory it will be a CT26 (with a single entry turbine).

IIRC standards rebuilds should be less than $500, its been a while since I looked into this though...Check the yellow pages or something for turbo reconditioners etc...

Sorry mate, I cant be much more helpful then that

Rudi

[shaun185]

Not too sure where it was leaking from exactly, I'll have another look. And no it doesn't blow any smoke at all, ever. Pretty sure its a factory turbo.

And thanks for the info and help mate

[Danners]

Yep, as above I can confirm that it will be a CT26. One of my mates had his rebuilt for $900 or so, but that could have been a rip off, we're older and wiser now. If you're going to do that you might as well high flow it for higher boost applications later

I'm surprised that you state your car doesn'[t have any low end power. The 7M is one of the more torquier engines i've driven!

[shaun185]

$900? Fuck me, looks like it will be leaking till I can save up that much. Maybe I need the car tuned, as it was sitting for a while before I picked it up. This may resolve the low end power issue.

[RA35GT]

Hi Mate,

Did you find the source of the leak?

Have you looked over at the TSRM?
http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Librar...tion=TC&Page=6

Here is the location of the two gaskets that could be the source of the leak. At either end of the turbo oil pipe. And also check where the smaller line goes to the block, another possible source of a leak.

http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Librar...tion=TC&Page=9

[Admiral coFF33]

have you checked the turbo oil drain ???

mine cracked on my trip to NSW back in october... the actual pipe (metal) that comes off the CT26 on the bottom to drain the oil had a hairline crack
and i managed to leak 8L of oil across australia

Check that pipe....

[Norbie]

Yeah, external oil leaks indicate a leaking oil feed or drain line, not the internal oil seals. If it's making boost and not blowing smoke you won't be up for a turbo rebuild.

[shaun185]

Well I'm glad the signs are pointing away from a turbo rebuild, cause I really can't afford it at the moment.

So after about an hour of trying to source the leak, and getting very frustrated , I still couldn't find where it was leaking from. I think my best option, at this point in time, is to take the turbo off so I have more room to work with. Either that or I will just take it to a mechanic to have a look at.

[shaun185]

have you checked the turbo oil drain ???
Check that pipe....

Whereabouts is the turbo oil drain located?

[BeRad]

from the bottom of the turbo and runs into the sump...

[RA35GT]

I've pointed out the turbo oil feed and drain in this pic man.

Rudi

[shaun185]

I've pointed out the turbo oil feed and drain in this pic man.

Rudi

Ok thanks, I'll take the turbo off next week some time and check that pipe and gaskets.