2004 XC70: Next steps for turbocharger leak diagnosed by Volvo dealer

[millerstone]

Hey everyone, looking for some guidance on a turbo issue with my 2004 XC70 (2.5T) which I have owned for eight years. I bought it used and have been fixing things when they break, like the BCM module or the angle drive. I usually have the lone family-owned Volvo dealership in my area work on it nowadays, and they reliably honor either my VCOA discount or the coupons Volvo regularly sends, so I consistently avoid paying full price.

At the vehicle's last oil change in September, a tech found the turbocharger to be leaking engine oil. The estimated cost for the repairs is $5,571.42. Here's a video they gave me showing the turbocharger.

And their notes:

Turbocharger Assembly - Replace | turbocharger is leaking engine oil. recommend replacing the turbocharger and resealing the exhaust manifold. technician found an exhaust leak on the manifold. recommend replacing the exhaust manifold studs and gaskets. due to age and mileage of the vehicle, the tech suspects that some exhaust studs may break on removal. additional time may be needed to extract broken studs

$5,571.42 is a pretty expensive repair. I definitely lack the automotive expertise / skills to do the job myself, so would appreciate advice. Is replacing the turbocharger my only option, as the tech indicated? Also, if anyone has recommendations for where to take it besides a dealership, that would be helpful. Located in the Seattle area. Thanks for any suggestions.

[vtl]

Does your engine burns oil? Blue smoke comes from the tailpipe every time you step on the accelerator? No? Don't fix what's not broken.

Exhaust leak is common. The manifold is warped, needs replacement or machining. Can live with it.

[jonesg]

eesch, thats nothing, oil on the turbo is typical, almost normal.
The book charge is $700 for labor to replace the turbo.

A new Mitsubishi turbo costs $1369 for the complete kit, are they seriously charging $4K for labor?
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 36002369kt

I would venture the turbo is fine, the rubber coupler that connects the turbo outlet to the over engine air pipe evntually gets soft and oil soaked, oil drips down to the bottom of the turbo. follow the over engine turbo plastic pipe to the rubber coupler and feel it with your hand, bet you a dozen donuts its oily as heck.

In the video he said it seemed it drained a quart less oil, did he measure what came out?
He obviously didn't look at the dipstick before draining or he would have said so.

I would find a non dealership volvo specialist, show the estimate you got, they'll laugh, let them diagnose it.

[millerstone]

Does your engine burns oil? Blue smoke comes from the tailpipe every time you step on the accelerator? No? Don't fix what's not broken.

Exhaust leak is common. The manifold is warped, needs replacement or machining. Can live with it.

Thanks. I have not seen any blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe and nothing feels abnormal.

I asked the tech (through the service advisor) how long they thought I could just "live with it" and they said at least a few months, but also cautioned they didn't think I should ignore the leak.

I would find a non dealership volvo specialist, show the estimate you got, they'll laugh, let them diagnose it.

Appreciate your perspective. Considering going to West Werks Auto in Redmond to get their opinion.

[vtl]

Thanks. I have not seen any blue smoke coming out of the tailpipe and nothing feels abnormal.

I asked the tech (through the service advisor) how long they thought I could just "live with it" and they said at least a few months, but also cautioned they didn't think I should ignore the leak.

You have no leaking turbo then. Leaking turbo is always a lot of smoke. And you are not a cash cow. Move on.

You may have a crankcase ventilation problem, though. Which is very common on this engine and eventually happens to everyone. And it is much cheaper to address, too.

[cn90]

How many miles on your baby?

[millerstone]

How many miles on your baby?

213,394 as of when the oil was changed

[cn90]

I am not a turbo guru but I think the turbo lasts about 250-300K miles.

Just check engine oil level.
After some 120K miles, most of these 2.5T engines drink about 1 qt every 1000 miles.

Worst-case scenario: find a low mileage turbo and ask some indy mechanic to install it.

PS: for those who replaced turbo, how many hours of labor?

[vtl]

I am not a turbo guru but I think the turbo lasts about 250-300K miles.

Just check engine oil level.
After some 120K miles, most of these 2.5T drinks about 1 qt every 1000 miles.

This is due to worn rings and bore taper. Much more blow-by gets into crankcase, oil vapors are evacuated by PCV and go into intake. Where an inexperienced technician can see it and decide it is a turbo.

PS: for those who replaced turbo, how many hours of labor?

Maybe a couple, if you know that Volvo and none studs got broken. Take the RH axle out, unbolt and shift bevel gear to the side, and here you have it. Nuts will be frozen, I struggled with them a bit, but if I had to do it again, I would use an induction heater this time - it makes all the difference.

[abscate]

For my 1999, 3.4 hours labor for turbo RR

Good used turbo is $200-250 from a wrecked vehicle.