Turbo leaking oil?

[chuckvagon]

My L400 has developed a rattle noise coming from the turbo under load, is burning oil, producing black smoke under load and has what looks like oil leaking around the pipes that connect turbo to intercooler, manifold, etc.

Am I doing more damage driving it?

I am assuming it is the seals in the turbo?
What sort of job is this to fix? Part numbers? Can a mechanic unfamiliar w delica's manage?
I am currently in nova scotia, traveling back to bc end of October.

Thanks for any help

[jessef]

Are you sure it's coming from the turbo and not the waterpump/alternator/crankshaft pulley ?

Rebuilding the turbo is not a job for an automotive mechanic, let alone a backyard mechanic.

A true turbo rebuild requires speciality tools and balancing machines.

The turbo in the L400 is used in many applications and the rebuild kit can be bought in NA.

A good diesel/turbo service shop will do it as to them a turbo is a turbo. Vehicle doesn't matter.

[chuckvagon]

I am fairly certain the turbo is the culprit. I pulled the hose that comes off the top of the turbo and goes to the intercooler and it was slimy with oil inside.

The rattle sound seems to be loudest near the air intake.

What model turbo is in the L400?
I am looking for a diesel shop in halifax to do the repair but I want to be able to tell them what turbo it is.

So thankful for this forum and the assistance it provides for delica's far from home!

[chuckvagon]

Definitely the turbo!

Pulled all air hoses to and from turbo and had a look/wiggle at the shaft that the compressor fins ride on. Slight play in the shaft, no visable wear on the housing.

Can I limp home trying to minimize boost w higher
Rpms or am I asking for trouble? I am in Newfoundland w my new wife and need to get back to Halifax. Aprox 800k.

[jessef]

http://oemturbo.cn/Mitsubishi.asp



If the housing and impeller are clean and you have a bit of play in the shaft, you can still drive it. Your turbo will have a 'slight' play on the impeller shaft.

Don't be convinced it's the turbo making that rattling sound unless you took a stethoscope to it and isolated the rattling.

Be certain to check the crankshaft pulley bolt.

What does the rattling sound like ?

There is a coolant pipe going from the thermostat housing to the top of the turbo via banjo bolt. Remove that (careful not to loose the washer) and check if its plugged. If so, clear the passage way.

[chuckvagon]

Housing and impeller were not clean. They are coated with a film of oil, as are the inside of the pipes going to and from the intercooler.

The rattle is only on take off in first gear, with load on engine and only lower rpms. Acompanied w a uncharacteristic heavy belch of black smoke.

Thanks for the help Jesse!