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Turbo Oil Leak

Discussion in 'Engines' started by alvareza, Nov 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM.

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  1. alvareza, Nov 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
    #1
    alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

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    There is an oil leak from the fitting on the turbo that the oil hose mounts onto. I was able to tighten the fitting a 1/4 turn which reduced the leak a little. I’m thinking of unscrewing the oil hose. Would a claw / crowfoot socket be the tool to use between the two turbo housings?

    If I can get the oil hose off, and get a socket on the fitting. Should I just tighten the fitting down to the turbo body or remove, clean the threads and use pipe sealant on it?

    upload_2025-11-11_11-0-8.jpeg
  2. Capt J, Nov 11, 2025 at 11:32 AM
    #2
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    You should be able to get to that with an open end wrench, might have to flip it each turn. I would inspect that piece very carefully as they generally don't just start leaking like that unless that pipe cracks.
    alvareza and Capt Ralph like this.
  3. Capt Ralph, Nov 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Skippy J is correct.
    I would have a new fitting to install when you jump on this.
    Trash the old one.

    Also, do not over tighten the new nipple. Let the fresh brass do its job.
  4. Lunderic, Nov 11, 2025 at 12:47 PM
    #4
    Lunderic

    Lunderic Member

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    I may be seeing this incorrectly, but it looks to me like the oil would have to be running up hill if it's the oil hose. Am I seeing it wrong or is the turbo housing cracked?
  5. alvareza, Nov 11, 2025 at 1:33 PM
    #5
    alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

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    So a new nipple with no pipe sealant. As always I greatly appreciate your advice
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2025 at 1:41 PM
  6. alvareza, Nov 11, 2025 at 1:36 PM
    #6
    alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

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    The whole turbo assembly was dismantled to repair a crack on the water jacketed exhaust manifold. The actual repair was quick and easy by a good welder. The removal and reinstall by MTU tech no so much. Maybe it was damaged or loosened during that process.

    Thank you for the advice
  7. alvareza, Nov 11, 2025 at 1:39 PM
    #7
    alvareza

    alvareza Senior Member

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    it seems to be leaking where the mounting nipple meets the turbo block. I think it’s leaking at the base of the nipple. I cleaned it up and will look again after running for a few hours. The picture is showing the top of the turbo block
  8. boatpoor, Nov 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM
    #8
    boatpoor

    boatpoor Senior Member

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    That fitting looks like a male pipe-jic adaptor and I would use a good teflon based sealant on the male pipe end that threads into the turbo housing. Once you break loose the jic nut you should be able to unscrew it by hand, then remove the adapter with a deep well socket.
  9. Capt Ralph, Nov 11, 2025 at 7:27 PM
    #9
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    One micro flake of teflon till destroy the front oil face in the turbo hub.
    Original nipples like this that have been installed for many years/hours just don't start leaking.
    It's a cheap plumbing part, replace it and start over again.
    It's on top of the turbo hub, easy to watch after assembly.