D7E now spewing oil from turbo! Very bummed.

Well, I was all set to run the 7 tonight do level a few things. I have not started it in probably 6mo but it has always started....pony start pretty much guarantees that. Anyway, I had one small repair I needed to make, which was the turbo oil return tube. It has always leaked from the tube to engine connection. Figured it was just the Oring and got parts. Figured out that the turbo was not down in its fittings enough and tube actually was not in far enough, Rather than fighting the turbo and making things hard, I just machined a nice shim to go between the turbo housing and tube flange. Worked out fine.

Then I fire it and all seems great until I see black oil at the exhaust manifold and turbo housing area. I studied the drool for a while trying to figure out if the engine was spitting out oil, or if the turbo seals were leaking. It was not diesel. The oil honestly looked like it was coming from the 4 bolt flange where the exhaust manifold and turbo exhaust housing connect. Because my exhaust system is totally rusted to about nothing, I can look right in to the exhaust side of the turbo. I did not see any oily mess? It was black a yuck, but I did not have oil shooting up the stack, and the elbow looked about right.

I am still baffled what was leaking. The exhaust looked normal and no major smoke until I roll on the coal, but clears right up. I was nervous that I somehow blocked the oil return line but I don't think so, but a pretty ODD coincidence! Not one problem with the turbo ever, then I mess with the return pipe, and she is puking....

So far, it looks like oil is certainly going roundy round in the turbo. I was not sure if I had a stuck ring that let some oil puke out, or if I have a seal going, or how you even tell?

Maybe pull the oil line off and make sure no soot dropped in and blocked it
I would pull the oil line right of to make sure its clear
It maybe just slobbering a bit till it warms up nice and hot after sitting for some time

Paul

Most likely a restriction in the turbo drain line but if all is clear, check the inlet manifold for excess oil coming from the turbo seals.

That's just moisture seeping out, when it warms out it dries out. Unless the turbo has allot of hours on it?

I just have no way of knowing what all has been serviced over the years but can only assume the Turbo is not original. Cannot imagine CAT sending out a new tractor with the drain tube like that anyway. I figure if I ever pull the turbo and get it seated down better, I can just remove the shim I made.


When I saw the oil puke, it was after I shut down. I was indeed just idling mostly but I like to run the rpms up and 'pedal' it so it will get hits of WOT. When I saw the oil, my heart sank because it has never done that! After preparing for a runaway engine, I fired it back up to see if I could tell what was up but was not very active when I watched it. I am sure that engine wants to get HOT. I barely got it past 100F idling.


The oil pressure was running at 35-40psi cold, and down to 30-35 warm. It does take a solid 15-20sec to get oil pressure though! When I engage the pony, the converter pressure is up quick, but that engine pressure takes time, or at least to the gauge.

I wouldnt worry about the oil pressure taking 20 or 30 seconds to pressurize, especially if it makes has good pressure when running

Remember it was going all ok before you worked on it so that should be a clue of were to start looking for whats changed


Paul