Just started my turbo build. Picked up a used T3 42/48 from a volvo. anyone know an easy way to check the oil seals before bolting it up and finding out then?

 

any turbo phreaks here that know any tricks i could try to check the seals before blowing oil all into my intercooler/exhaust/engine bay. just don't want to have to clean things out because i guessed that the seals were good.

 

Seafoam or a stingent amount of brake cleaner will clean up the oil. Checking the seals is kind of difficult until you run boost and actually put pressure on the seals.

 

thats what the ol' brain told me but i thought there might be a trick. we will see. there is a small amount of oil on the exhaust fins. thats all i can see so far. i stuck my finger all the way down inside to see if any oil was on the fan side and i could only come up with a little grime and oil. i gonna guess that it is ok but i have no idea.

 

Yeah, you sure it's oil? I mean a little is normal over time, but it might just be carbon build up.