What is an acceptable level of oil in the K04 housings?

**Gaki** · 12-12-2011 03:36 PM

I recently helped pull apart a stg3 and noticed that there was oil in the bi pipes, throttle boot, and a slight film in the throttle body as well. The engine was yanked out and I noticed no shaft play what so ever, but on the hot side, I noticed oil in there as well. I just pulled the bi-pipes on my bone stock k03s and everything was super dry..

K04s have about 25k on them. Is it normal to have oil blow by on the hot and cold side of these?

**Malmhead** · 12-12-2011 04:02 PM

From what I understand this is normal, but it is also why people get an oil catch can.

**S4 00 2.7** · 12-13-2011 02:10 AM

Normal.

**Gaki** · 12-13-2011 08:08 AM

thank you guys.

**034Motorsport** · 12-13-2011 08:20 AM

Bit if a blanket statement to just say normal, but a film of oil inside the intake and charge components is very normal.

How much oil is acceptable in the turbine housing is generally dependent on whether the car smokes under boost, etc. Shaft play isn't the only indicator of an oil seal condition, but it certainly helps.

From the sound of your description, everything sounds normal. Depending on the effectiveness of the breather system and other factors, some cars have more oil in the intake then others. I often encounter oil in the turbine housing when removing and reinstalling turbos.

**Gaki** · 12-13-2011 12:25 PM

Gotcha. I'll go get them checked out prior to the install. They looked to be alright but I'm not a genius at this..

**TipTucker01** · 12-13-2011 12:55 PM

Would the oil film be beneficial to engine operation?

**Will@TAG** · 12-13-2011 01:01 PM

The oil is typically not from the turbo itself but from the valvetrain, i.e. valve cover vents, and crankcase vents.. this will usually cause oil to flow into the intake system. Oil from the turbo will usually flow into the hotside and create white smoke out of your exhaust before it will flow into the intake stream since the only thing that region would be the cold side fins. Oil catch cans is good way to create less oil blow by. Look into doing that if it bothers you, and no its not beneficial for oil to be in the intake stream as it will eventually get sent into you cylinders and create buildup on your pistons and valves.