[wren57]

Last summer I noticed on 2-3 occasions that pulling out of the parking deck at work a puff of smoke came out the back of the car. I didn't think much of it as it was just 2-3 times. Well I noticed it again today. I don't think it is any more prevalent or frequent than it was before. Also, last week, my turbos started whining/sirening a little. At first it was just when the oil wasn't all the way warmed up, but now it does it, albeit quietly, when the oil is warm. Also it burns a quart of oil every ~8k miles. What can I look for to tell if they're on their way out? I can take the downpipes off in no time so if I need to do that I can.

[themyst]

you have an oil catch can?

[dfv2]

Well since you don't mind removing the downpipes, wiggle each exhaust turbine wheel/shaft and see if there's any play. If they are solid, they are fine. If there is play, it's shot. You can most likely drive around on "shot" turbos for quite a while but eventually they will puke so much oil you will have them swapped out of annoyance. Burning 1 quart every 8kmi isn't an alarming quantity IMO.

[wren57]

Originally Posted by themyst

you have an oil catch can?

Yes, but I haven't installed it yet...

Originally Posted by dfv2

Well since you don't mind removing the downpipes, wiggle each exhaust turbine wheel/shaft and see if there's any play. If they are solid, they are fine. If there is play, it's shot. You can most likely drive around on "shot" turbos for quite a while but eventually they will puke so much oil you will have them swapped out of annoyance. Burning 1 quart every 8kmi isn't an alarming quantity IMO.

So just stick my fingers in there and see if it wiggles? Seems easy enough...

[99three]

Do you hear any turbo whine?

[themyst]

seal might be on the verge of failing, but if it's boosting fine you can last quite a while on those turbos.