Hi, all info needed. I have a 300 tdi on a n reg, done 136 k miles. I was putting on a new alternator and removed the hoses from the turbo to the intercooler for access, inside was a small amount of oil which was spreadmost of the way down the pipe, trouble is you can't really tell how much as even a small bit spreads quite well. Any ideas, is the turbo on its way??? Regards Tots.

The oil will be from the engine breather pipe that feeds into the intake tube for the turbo. I wouldn't worry about a small amount.

ALL turbos allow a tiny amount of oil to seep out of the labyrynth seals at the ends of the shaft - else they seize up.

Eventually this oil speads about the insides of the pipes and hoses and makes a mess.

Oil is like blood - just a little spilt looks like a massacre.

If the engine runs fine, and isn't trailing lots of blue or white smoke from the exhaust, assume that it is OK.

When your turbo blows, you won't miss it - be sure of that.

CharlesY

Hi, thanks for the imput fellas, all the best Tim