Oil inside turbo

[BamaMan]

Is it normal for oil to be in the intake side of the turbo? I took my intercooler off and there was lots of oil in there. I had changed the PCV but the one I took out looked new and was genuine Ford part. The thought of lots of oil in there just doesn't seem right to me. But, this is my first experience with a turbo.

[svono50]

Oil in the turbo inlet is not 'normal', but it is common. If your crankcase gets pressurized, no matter where from (i.e.- PCV valve, piston blow by, intake valve stems, etc), it will likely find its way past the oil seperator on the valve cover and into the turbo inlet. I have had this issue since 1991 when I got my car. I build a home-made secondary oil separator to keep things clean and dry, since I have replaced my valve stem seals and PCV valve to block those paths. My piston rings are the last main source, but I don't burn much if any oil, so I haven't worried about it too much.

BTW, oil injested into the combustion chamber help cause pre-ignition and can hurt performance and especially head gaskets. It is best to stop the source one way or another.

[BamaMan]

It is very common - not gonna go to normal cause that means it's intended to be that way. If you do a search, you will learn that it is a normal (bi-monthly?) service procedure to clean the oil vapor/residue out of the compressor housing, charge cooler core, throttle body, VAF and VAF hose.

How do you clean the oil vapor/residue form the compressor housing? I am surprised that given the amount of oil I see the exhaust isn't smoking from burning oil.

I'm still new at this turbo stuff so please bear with me.

[BamaMan]

Do I spray the cleaner down into the turbo? The stuff I am seeing isn't residue, it is puddles. Is the charge cooler the same as the intercooler?

I can drive the car if I continually pat the gas. Plus I don't hink I'm getting any boost at all anymore.

[NavySVO]

Is the charge cooler the same as the intercooler?

yes it is