Turbo question

[A'Busa'd]

Sorry if this post is in the wrong forum, but I don't know where else to post it.

My daughter has a 2000 turbo beetle. I noticed oil in the IC piping when I disconnected the intercooler to do some work on her car. About 1/2 to 3/4 cup of oil came out of the IC when I disconnected it. This is the lowest point of the system. I figured a blown oil seal in the turbo so I started looking for a replacement. I found a used turbo with about 14k on it for $100, so I bought it and it just arrived today.

The new turbo seems to have some shaft play and not knowing much about turbos, I don't know if it is a big concern. When I try to move the shaft end to end there is no play, but when I wiggle the shaft side to side there is a little play. Aslo, there is an oil film on the inside of the turbo outlet.

Should I be concerned about the oil in the IC on the original setup? The car doesn't smoke and doesn't seem to have unusual oil consumption.

Is it normal for a low mileage turbo to have the kind of shaft play that I described?

Thanks in advance!

[BusaWhipped]

I don't know if collecting oil in the IC is normal for a 2000 beetle, but it was common on the Buick GNs.

[fstbusa]

there are probably some tolerences the turbo has for shaft play. Do some research and see if you can get this info and then you'll know.

[ca03busa]

yes , i had a 00' turbo beetle myself and it is normal for some oil to come from the turbo . but i hope for your sake that your not having as mant problems with your as i did with mine ! and it is normal for some play to be in spool , it needs some play for oil to lubricate the shaft . just make sure that it spins freely without hitting the housing

[A'Busa'd]

Thanks ca03busa, I think I'll probably have it checked out, but your most likely right. The oil has to get around there somehow.