So a coupler blew out on me...now worries

[dekansnowman]

So I went to a local drift event and got persuaded to take a couple laps. After the last run I started noticing another type of whine that was noticeably different than the turbo but went along with the turbo. I pulled over and checked oil pressure, temp, vaccuum and everything was spot on. Now after popping the hood I noticed under one of my couplers was a splash of oil. Nothing huge, but an even mist. So after feeling the coupler I noticed a hole in it. Ok so Im thinking no big deal, Ill just put something around it to sort of "band-aid" it until I get home and search for a replacement coupler. Now I know that the return line from the top of the valve cover dumps into the intake and gets circulated, but I never thought about it so now that I see oil heading back into the engine it worries me. I know that high rpms cause the oil to purge itself out but I guess Im just paranoid now that I actually saw the oil.

So as long as new coupler holds boost and motor feels fine am I ok? Someone just let me know if this is standard op for the motor and Im just being overly cautious.

PS, I did rev up a few times but my main rule is to never get the motor above 7k. I see no reason to abuse any motor like that.

[float_6969]

It could be a sign that the rings are getting weak and you're getting a lot of blow-by. It could also be a sign that your seals on your turbo are going bad, but I doubt it. Get a catch can and see what it does.

Regdless, high revs just produce more blow by, it just happens.

[dekansnowman]

Ok so if I get or make a catch can, what should I look for? How will I be able to diagnose bad rings from blown turbo seal?

[damesta]

All you'll really be able to see from getting a catch can is how much blow by oil your getting out of the motor, its not going to narrow anything down for you. If you want to check the rings I can compression test it again for you.

[float_6969]

A leak down test will give you even better info than a compression test. You can have a compression test w/in spec and still have horribly worn rings.

I was about 155psi across the boards when I first got my CA, but I was getting so much blow-by that I was filling up my 1Q catch can every week.

[damesta]

True, but I don't have a leakdown tester here right now, a compression test is the best I can do at the moment.

[dekansnowman]

Its weird though. The motor feels perfectly strong and doesnt smoke at all. Everything is in top shape that I can tell from driving. Seeing that oil just makes me worry. I love the motor/car and have been experiencing great luck because it was built right. I just hope that Im worrying for nothing and that little bit of oil is normal. I plan on getting the same pistons and rings as a friend that is building up a CA in the future so if its not a big problem then no big deal. I plan on making bigger power with it but nothing crazy. I think im gonna shoot for 275-300 wheel but reliablility is the main concern.