Exhaust Smoke At Idle... Is My Turbo Leaking Oil?

We have helped a lot of customers fix what they thought was a leaking turbine seal. In most cases, the turbo was indeed leaking. But why? We are here to answer that question and show you how a very very simple test can save you time and money!
Your turbo could most certainly be leaking oil. From the excessive smoking at idle and even after it warms up, its pretty noticeable. That does NOT always mean you have to tear your turbo out and rebuild or replace it right away. It also does not mean your turbo is going out or defective.
First try this quick test to see if the smoke clears up.
Step 1: Remove oil fill cap.
Step 2: Drive it like you stole it for 10-15 mins.
Step 3: Inspect exhaust opacity at idle again.
If it is clear again, then you have a CCV issue. Easy fix.
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[@mikebryan5490]

Thank you, I think that may be what is going on with my 6.4. Your video is straight to the point-Mike.

[@SakisTheDrifter]

I saw this video and ran straight to my "smoking at idle from turbine" car, with the oil catch can i installed some months ago. I removed the oil fill cap and the smoke stopped. I put it back in place and it was smoking again. So i went to the catch can, removed the baffle that it had inside it (the baffle was very restrictive) and went for some rides and the car didnt smell oil at all and didnt smoke again. That was Very brilliant solution my friend. Thank you much. I wish you the best

[@Maui_hilux]

Thanks a lot for this upload! I've changed valve seals on my car in the hopes the smoking would stop and it continued. Put a catch can and re routed and capped a vacuum line from pcv to throttle body hoping it would stop and it still happened. My only clue was turbo seals, now I know I have to double check my pcv system and correct it

[@benjaminfisher750]

Great video man!! Keep doing these, so helpful

[@andrewcasali6940]

Wow this really helped. Not that truck but I had a hose to a catch can that was getting pinched. Helped me find where to look and bam, no more smoke!

[@surfreadjumpsleep]

Awesome advice! I can't wait til tomorrow to try this out.

[@danieltmula]

Excellent information on ccv and hazy exhaust.

[@WorknB]

Nice work . Thanks for the explanation on the crusted up turbo oil seal . Good to have that extra knowledge. Working on a smoking Audi but turbo knowledge is the same and the diagnosis goes hand .You have highlighted a few areas but the key one is PVC disconnect or open the oil filler and release the pressure . Burn off the oil and voila. Off to give it a thrash, smarter than I was before finding your informative video . Thanks a heap Ben

[@el_Chupo]

My diesel sprinter doesn’t smoke when engine is cold but as soon as it warms up it starts smoking white smoke on idle , no smoke while driving only when I stop for longer than a min . Does that sound like pcv valve

[@travissmith9119]

Great video , simple test and explanation. Why you would run it back to the fresh air intake is ridiculous. Anyone that tries to argue that isn't to brilliant. Thanks for making this video. And im about to install a new turbo on my 2004 5.9 cummings . What is best bang for buck. So many out there and price is everwhere. Thanks again

[@rabihnaser7945]

Very smart explanation. Thank you

[@trife78]

Perfectly explained. I have a Mishi re-route and still getting oil in the turbo. I’m suspecting the “stock” CCV filter mounted on the valve cover is clogged. But not much info on the web about it. You mentioned it for a split second in the vid but didn’t talk about it much.

[@Fmoleski128]

Just replaced mine and it seemed to be fine. I’m burning oil

[@riplippers6385]

It’s honestly crazy that you guys posted this because I just ran into a similar problem and I ordered y’all’s rebuild kit 😂

[@KCTURBOS]

Hey man, feel free to perform the test and if the smoke clears up, you can return the rebuild kit after that if you would like! We want to make your life easier, not just more expensive!

[@riplippers6385]

I appreciate it man but it was my fault that it happened anyway. I did an oil cooler on my truck and when I had my intake off I stuck a piece of shop towel in my Ccv hole on the valve cover and when I went back together I guess it must’ve slipped in enough for me to not see it but I put the intake back on with the shop towel in the breather hole 😂. Take the rag out, no more smoke. Pull down pipe, look in turbo with an inspection camera and low and behold it was leaking oil. Rebuilt it yesterday and nice and clear! Also got the badass KC Gary which will find his home on my back glass today ! Thank you guys! I have used your rebuild kits for several customer trucks and I always recommend you guys to my customers! You have a great business and product and really know what you’re doing! Thank you.

[@bryantvelez3580]

I have the same issue on my Jetta What's the next step to fixing the issue do I have to rebuild the Turbo Or can I just buy a brand new seal for the Turbo

[@alundrasrt]

Hi, very clear video straight to the point and no bla-bla. What do you recommend for solving this blowby with a new PCV(=CCV?), please? Is there a video of this? Thanks

[@felixclaros175]

Great help!!... appreciated!!

[@lasersgopewpew77]

Awesome explanation, but I'm curious if this would apply to supercharged cars/truck's as well? I'm having similar issues, just with a twin screw and I've gone over everything else at this point.

[@py2724]

Brilliant Bravo Leading Diagnostics Video Maker Right Here

[@py2724]

LOVE THE SHIRT TURBO GARY👍👍👍

[@davindra67]

cash and complete , thanks for the tips and explanations 🙏

[@jaredshoemaker9196]

So should I run a stock ccv setup on my 6.4 powerstroke?

[@MikeFullyFulford]

You might have just saved me a bunch of money and cost yourself a sale lol. I'll come talk to you when it's time to turn up the daily driver, thank you!

[@williamsantiago7303]

Thank you for the video buddy. I have a 2011 6.7l Powerstroke 4X4 that I bought new in 2011, well in 2019 I retired the truck and use it every 2 to 3 months to keep the fluids all running and the battery in check. It has 115,000 miles on it and it's deleted but I've never dogged the truck out. My truck does everything you said in this video but I don't have a catch can, it's all stock. Could my problem be my factory crack case ventilation system needing to be changed? Going in reverse in my driveway it smokes pretty good. Anything that you could tell me I would really appreciate. Thumbs up on your video bud. 👍

[@dedal24]

I'm seeing oil leaking from the air intake hose seals next to the turbo and also from the oil cap. Compression test was done on this engine a few years ago and it was perfect, also I don't see any smoke from the exhaust or loss of power. Is it likely that turbo seals are the problem ? I looked at PCV valve too and at least some air is escaping from it when idling, so it's not fully clogged or something. PCV hose is completely dry.

[@raymods]

Very informative

[@cecelialaughlin6341]

Should I buy spe ccv reroute kit for my 2019 6.7 powerstroke?

[@MrJet1982]

What if I'm getting a light oil smoke under boost but not idle ?

[@michaellevenduski7263]

I have lbz duramax. I know i have oil in my intercooler pipe s. Im going to be doing yur diy 10 blade and compressor wheel. 360 extreme kit. I was going to do the reroute for ccv. Do you recommend doing the ccv reroute. Im putting in new intake also,so it wont have the hole for ccv fitting. Any input i would truly appreciate

[@omarkosovali2381]

i do same this oil cap and i still have white smoke on exaust and there where is oil cap smoke on both places what problem is this and i have black oil under exhaust and coming out from exhaust i saw what u think what problem is ?

[@nts323]

How do you clean the oil out the exhaust system

[@craigbarker1077]

Great video.

[@dwightvoeks9970]

Good info.

[@deerturk88]

Finally another upload

[@gustavosuarez9420]

I have that problem in my 2002 7.3 e350 7.3, if I change my CCV new the problem goes away?

[@dakotahelmstoyotamechracer9788]

Damn I think you just solved my issue now i have to re assembly the Car lmao

[@LimaTangoZulu]

Several guys run an open to atmosphere crank case vent with no problems. And there was even one guy that debunked CCV reroutes causing leaks. The real problem is people using catch cans. They’re super restrictive. Having the crank case vented to the intake just bakes oil onto the valves and intake runners, and gunks up the turbo, and charge air system.

[@MacJank7]

I have a Mann Hummel ProVent 400 catch can and when I start seeing more than average white smoke at idle I change the filter and it’s good for another 90-100k. I installed it after completely rebuilding my engine so all my internals are oil free.

[@simonbahsous3346]

When i remove the oil fil cap on mu smokey 6.4L, the white smoke disappears from the exhaust tail pipe and ends up coming out of the oil fill hole. What does that mean?

[@AL4Today]

My 2013 ford escape 1.6 litre ecoboost start smoking similarly but i cant seem to locate the CCV? But is CCV the same as PCV?

[@mashukmechanical143]

Good work sir from India

[@paulnapolitano98]

I thought this was my problem so I took the cap off the catch can to release pressure and a bit of white smoke comes out the catch can while the engine is running and also out of oil filler cap when taken off is this normal? Do I just have to run it for a bit or is this an actual blow by issue. The engine was rebuilt 45,000KMs ago so I hope it’s nothing to do with that

[@castrorobinson9253]

My new KCtubro is smoking in side the hood , what do i do ?

[@tinok.8149]

Great video!!! Many thanks!

[@KCTURBOS]

Glad you liked it!

[@Ghost-_-777y]

Hi . I have not modified my truck. (Deleted EGR) .. but I have oil goiyto the exhaust..what could be the problem.? Turbos aren't working.. should I replace turbos and the ccv ?

[@sixtozaragoza127]

I am having that problem with my 2001 7.3 a problem ccv is still connected to the air intake but it only smokes going up hills but I have noticed that my truck doesn't shift down so I let the gas pedal go it will stop smoking any help would be appreciated thanks

[@christianwade1344]

Turbo has blown twice now I put new drain tube new oil feed line and I checked the ccv and it is not clogged do you know anything else it could be please respond thanks!

[@bwhiped8508]

I put a no limit air filter on my truck and had to reroute my ccv, is there a way to hook it back the right way?

[@gingersnake1]

Great video! I'm having a few drops out of my turbo cold side only after I get done driving. If I drive with the oil cap off for the test, will I have a mess under the hood when I'm done? Thanks, Chris.

[@Peter-it2gt]

Yes you will

[@bwhiped8508]

Will this cause vanes to stick as well?

[@wolfman._7396]

What if the presumption of blow by is way to high ? And right where the down pipe clamp connects the down pipe with turbo is leaking and shooting oil from the and smoke and lets lots of air comes out right where the clamp supposed to conect down pipe and turbo 😬😬😬🫣🫣🫣🧤🧤🧤

[@CARAIRCONTECH]

Nice

[@mohammedalrahel246]

Good work 👍 I have My car is nissan qashqai 1.5 Has blue smoke sometimes and sometimes is not If I driving up to 3000rpm when I stop u will see blue smoking Do you have any information about it? Thanks

[@stuartarneaud218]

Great information 😊

[@Mac-bn]

nice content, i want to share the problem i have with my hilux 3.0 2009 1KD KUN26, the water pipe at the turbo is blocked this is due to the dirty radiator water which my staff never take care, when it is block the oil escape where the weakest location such as the hose connection, so take care of the radiator with proper coolant

[@Roadhammer3406e]

Would a RDT road draft tube be a solution for the 6.0

[@wadebond7679]

Installed a 1995 cummins in my 98 silverdao...bypassed the brake/power steering brake booster pump because chevy has hydro set up...instant blue smoke.

[@nonjon1090]

Any experience with the mishimoto catch can that’s made specifically for the 6.0? I have one but haven’t installed it. The way it’s designed, looks like it would still allow pressure to be pulled and clean the oil out at the same time

[@kcturbos2733]

We have seen many catch cans work perfect... but often times the media inside the catch clogs up over time and will cause the turbo to leak. Usually they work good right when installed. You can make sure to clean the media and empty the catch can often if it is a media style catch can.

[@Blueovalnation]

Well then what’s the fix? I think this is the issue I’m come across after installing a hi flow catch can 3/4 barbed fittings and hoses, but I’m getting tons of oil blowing through my intercooler boots and they keep blowing off. Now that I put the catch on I’m not blowing boots off but now I’m smoking like this. Idk what to do at this point.

[@cibersubzero9635]

Buen video. Good video

[@franksummerville2878]

Thanks for the video. I have a tractor that does this.

[@joecrackdadon8954]

Mine only smokes at start up and goes away after a few minutes.2016 6.7 5500 Ram. Could this still be the issue¿?????¿?????¿?????

[@rankmeuptoday2119]

Does this applies to Mercedes turbo cars ?

[@hotrod6919]

I just rebuilt the entire engine harness under the hood of my 6.0' and truck been sitting couple weeks due to a 132b code now. since truck is early 03' it has the shitty inferred EBP strategy and now it wont learn vgt cycle so it just cycles non-stop. Thought I narrowed down to either re-flash issue or turbo but now after seeing this i bet its that damn catch can I installed. FML! I had swapped out vgt, Icp. ipr, tore fuel system apart, changed cac tubes and clamps, even almost lit my garage on fire doing a leak test with a eBay smoke machine (paint can filled with baby oil)👍👍👍👍👍

[@jayasekaradinesh3833]

Excellent ❤

[@HondaForLife94]

So what you’re saying is vent it to atmosphere?

[@johnnyedgar88]

I think my truck blew the turbo bc of my ccv and when I pulled a heavy trailer my rear main seal gave out and my truck is leaking oil like no other. I think I was leaking boost into the motor but I don’t know if I’m right or not but somebody pls let me know if my theory is reasonable

[@richbray748]

What if your running some of the newer style "Internal catch cans" that vent back into the truck? The baffle style.

[@zanastumasonis]

appreciate the video

[@teamafot3001]

I like the Gary sweater

[@ericcoopersomatics]

A month ago I put a cheap PCV valve on my VW Tiguan. Two weeks later it's burning a quart per tank of gas. Clouds of white smoke. My mechanic said I needed a new turbo and with the leaking camshaft seals he said I would be best if I replaced the engine and turbo. Damn, I did your test. White smoke gone. I ordered a high quality PCV valve to replace the bad one. Hopefully that's a fix. Thank you!!!

[@demetriusjohnson4231]

Did it fix it

[@ericcoopersomatics]

Yes, it totally fixed it. and I replaced the PCV valve with a better new one.@@demetriusjohnson4231

[@johnmichaeliii2281]

I appreciate the video. Would this apply to the stock CCV as well, or only modified?

[@KCTURBOS]

The stock can get clogged over time, but less likely to happen. Modified is most common.

[@conejoconejito3165]

My truck was given the 8 new injectors stopped throwing diesel and oil through the turbo but the white smoke keeps coming out,😔

[@willdoremus5211]

What would make oil pool up in intake manifold and also got oil coming out of my air filter and diverter valve and in my intercooler on my 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0t 6 speed manual transmission

[@KCTURBOS]

Could definitely be the CCV, or a turbo seal going out if there is pooling oil. Did you try the test after cleaning up the oil, to see if it fixes the issue?

[@canlue34]

I have a 07 f350 and I’m having that issue we’re the truck will make a cloud of white smoke after leaving a stop light. It has an after market air intake. Is there a way I can fix it without putting the oem one back on because I do not have the original part?

[@KCTURBOS]

What tunes are you running? Do you roll into the throttle or are you mashing it at the stop light?

[@therealjosemirelesjr.5726]

@kcturbo mine has a spe reroute and leaks oil and a lot of smoke comes out !!??

[@kcturbos2733]

It is a simple test to see if your CCV is causing your issue. Let us know what you find.

[@desertcobrabattalion1890]

Unfortunately my smoking issue randomly happens no miss fire just randomly my truck will smoke we know there was a oil leak on the turbo cold side but it just got worse

[@brazybhodi5420]

Does this relate to a v8 with around the same size if not bigger turbo ? Everythings aftermarket cooling system, hoses, I bought it the way it is and lowkey don’t kno anything about it but it’s blowing white smoke out the exhaust it smells like rubber

[@KCTURBOS]

This trick works for most vehicles with an aftermarket turbo! That ccv can easily go un-noticed! Let us know how it goes after running the test.

[@awc2305]

Help please. now can this happen on a 2014 ecoboost? I'm on a 2nd set of turbos because of smoke at idle and can't figure out the issue. one shop telling me bad seals another saying bad turbos and I'm 4k into repairs and still same problem.

[@KCTURBOS]

What is your catch can situation? EcoBoosts should run a catch can.

[@DrJassimQ8]

Exactly this is what's happening with my Mercedes E63 biturbo, I ran this test and the smoke was gone,, indy mechanics some told me I need an engine overhaul even though it runs smoothly unless I beat on it, some told me valve stem seals ( which I think it might be), I changed the PCV and the smoke was gone for a while and came back later,,,, this problem came after I tuned the car, before it was normal.

[@kevinragnauth5574]

Did you find a fix for it

[@rickfrancis5480]

How do you clean out the ccv that’s on the valve cover ?

[@MacJank7]

Buy a new one

[@hondaxl250k0]

Got a 97 7.3. My ccv has almost no blow by. But tons of vapor. And it gets oil in my intake. How do I stop the oil from ccv correctly?

[@KCTURBOS]

Give us a call or shoot us and email and our customer service team will be happy to assist you! kcturbos.com/pages/contact-us

[@eiztch]

My mazda cx7 2.3 disi turbo is blowing blue smoke in the muffler only when cruising ascending. When descending its not blowing any smoke. When idle is not blowing any smoke. Smell oil burn. Could it be the turbo? Thank you

[@KCTURBOS]

Very well could be! Not being familiar with the Mazda diesel, its hard to say.

[@AL4Today]

Please where do i locate 2013 ford escape 1.6 litre ecoboost CCV

[@KCTURBOS]

TBH, we are unfamiliar with the ford escape! Sorry

[@BulliKid]

Good info I’d CCV the same as PCV?

[@peixinho5927]

PCV stands for positive crankcase ventilation . CCV stands for Crank Case Ventilation Valve , They do the same job suck fumes from the crankcase into the inlet manifold where they are burnt in the cylinders combustion stroke.

[@obspowerstroke1864]

So on my obs 7.3 I need to put the ccv Back in the intake ? I have mine dumped under the cab

[@KCTURBOS]

If you have a vent to atmosphere under the cab, odds are that cab alleviating the pressure just fine? Unless you have started smoking excessively, you will be fine. We have typically seen vent to atmosphere set ups leak when there is way too much hose, its ran to the back of the truck or lots of coils and turns.

[@obspowerstroke1864]

@@KCTURBOS ok I have no smoke it’s dumped under the front fender so should be fine

[@jackg8478]

99.5 Ford 7.3. CCV in stock configuration makes a big mess of the CAC boots. I guess that's just one of the joys of owning a diesel? Without a CCV mod I'm not sure there is anyway to avoid the mess.

[@lucaswest5365]

Do you generally see this problem when they are vented to atmosphere?

[@LimaTangoZulu]

The only time a CCV reroute will be the direct cause of a problem, is if a catch can is installed (catch cans are very restrictive,) or a really crappy reroute was done not using the right size hose, or not fastened properly causing the hose to kink. Or the CCV filter in the breather box has become clogged (if you have one) Several guys run an open to atmosphere crank case vent with no problems. And there was even one guy that debunked CCV reroutes causing leaks.

[@joemcallister9490]

So I have a 1” hose running to the rear axle. It’s been like that for over a year and now my turbo is dumping oil into exhaust. I removed the cap and for the most part it’s gone. Is it possible for the breather on valve cover to clog? I ordered a new one and routing back into the inlet hose this weekend. If it continues to smoke...can the turbo still be an issue?

[@kcturbos2733]

Yes, turbos can leak and go bad for sure. But sometimes it is mis diagnosed as a bad turbo when it is really a CCV issue. You could try cutting the hose shorter and just running it down below the oil pan. See if that helps.

[@joemcallister9490]

@@kcturbos2733 I am going to try returning to stock for now and see how it goes after replacing the valve cover mounted baffle. If it stops, I will still be looking at your stage 2 turbo

[@hhbtvkidsshow4355]

What is a ccv

[@williamsantiago7303]

@@hhbtvkidsshow4355 CCV=Crank Case Ventilation, it sucks the pressure that's built up in the bottom half of your engine from the pistons going up and down and that pressure goes up the ccv box and into the intake and gets recirculated and burned out through the exhaust. I'm sure there's a better technical way of explaining this but basically what I just explain is what it means.

[@rickfrancis5480]

7.3 1995 powerstroke . Rebuilt turbo by local diesel guy thinking this was my problem . 160,000 , I have stock ccv on valve cover . One starting blue tint . If I drive it it’s gone . No blue tint . Even if I stop and idle . U think this would be the ccv to injector orings?

[@jonesfarm1836]

I would think possibly valve seals.

[@austindenman9929]

hey KC turbo my truck is smoking blue smoke like when you start it in the morning but then when its warm it doesnt smoke as bad but at night you can see the smoke with the right headlights

[@kylekroschel3879]

You figure it out?

[@austindenman9929]

@@kylekroschel3879 no

[@ReedsAuto]

Have you seen this on a Duramax?

[@jonesfarm1836]

Can I do the same test on a 2005 5.9 Cummins? I just replaced the crankcase vent on top of valve cover last week with a factory OEM part. I have some hazy smoke at idle. No blowby or anything.

[@jonesfarm1836]

@KCTURBOS

[@KCTURBOS]

Absolutely, it works for any diesel.

[@richiec9077]

Im not too sure about driving about with my oil cap off😢

[@kennethstewart6733]

Think egr cooler and turbo went out same time can use advice thanks

[@KCTURBOS]

Call our customer service anytime and they can help you out! 480-688-7160

[@mohammadalmakky2151]

What is the ccv please?

[@KCTURBOS]

CCV = Crank Case Ventilation. Essentially, in every engine a little bit of exhaust gas or pressure escapes the piston rings and enters the engine internals. This exhaust gas must go somewhere, so from the factory its fed into the vehicles air intake.

[@2SSteppin]

So once it’s leaking I just gotta fix it and it’s done? Or is that seal now bad

[@ziadajam5433]

Dude I’m trying to figure that out… I just put in a 2k dollar turbo in my 5.9 Cummins and I’m so worried that I blew my seal. They are piston ring seals so I really hope they are durable enough to hold up after the crank pressure is properly vented. I think it shouldn’t be a problem since the demonstration shows the smoke almost fully gone whenever the crankcase pressure is vented out of the oil cap. If you have an update or any info please let me know

[@tylermckernon1142]

Would a vent to atmosphere oil fill cap fix this issue?

[@KCTURBOS]

It should do the trick! Might be kinda messy though

[@jonesfarm1836]

I mean the Cummins vent out to atmosphere. At least the 5.9s do. Don’t know how 6.7s are set up. But yes it can be a little messy. I have oily residue on my oil pan beside the Ccv vent tube 😂 I guess free rust prevention

[@JCF504]

Does this issue also come with a distinct smell of burning oil when idling? I think this is what I’ve been experiencing on my truck.

[@conmanumber1]

Same here. What was the outcome of yours?. Mine has a white hazey putrid unburned smoke.

[@JCF504]

@@conmanumber1 Nothing significant has happened but now a year later the turbo whistle is less audible and truck feels a little sluggish. Am just going to replace with a new unit and whatever else is necessary.

[@SpeedomusicSM]

Interesting

[@LukeySaint]

G'day mate, is this universal to all turbos or specific to just these ones? Edit: Watched the whole video, answered my question. Thanks a bunch ya mad dog, legend

[@calebsantourian1360]

Now will the seal for the turbo still need to be changed !??

[@KCTURBOS]

Now that the excess pressure has been eliminated, the seal should function as normal.

[@murdamaxx4533]

Will this work on a duramax?

[@KCTURBOS]

Yes!

[@MiguelSanchez-rb3tw]

If my turbos leaking wouldn’t there be oil dripping out once i remove down pipe? Im having similar issues on mine. Just got the car. They had 10 quarts of oil in it. Requires 4.5. Thinking maybe there’s oil trapped

[@KCTURBOS]

What type of vehicle? In some cases thats a good indicator, however excessive pressure can push oil past the seals of a perfectly good turbo

[@MiguelSanchez-rb3tw]

@@KCTURBOS its a 2009 audi a4. Cylinders are dry, inside turbo is dry, exhaust valves dry, intake side a little moist but nothing crazy. throws out blue smoke. Smells really bad. Car drives normal. Good compression as well. I replaced the turbo for a used one. Used same oil/coolant lines. Not sure if any of those can affect anything

[@kennethstewart6733]

And smoking out of oil fill cap have no power heavy smoke while idling and changed egr cooler at same time but feels like no power

[@KCTURBOS]

Shoot us a call 480-688-7160 our customer service team can help walk you through diag steps to check.