2002 Passat Oily water in intercooler

[bebobullet]

While replacing the timing belt on my daughters 2002 1.8L Turbo I found about a cup or cup and a half of oily water in the intercooler piping. I can't find any indication of water in the air filter or air filter box. The car has 86K miles on it. I'm concerned that this isn't water, but coolant. I started the car up and let it run for a few minutes and then shut it off. I removed the bottom hose to the intercooler and got another 2 or 3 ounces of what looks like clean water out of it. We have had some really warm wet weather the last 2 weeks, but this seems like an excessive amount of water. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[ernielist]

Oily water? I believe the turbos in these cars are cooled by the oil from the car. If that be the case you may have an oil leak inside your turbo which can cause oil in the intercooler. I would remove the piping where the turbo feeds the intercooler and take a look inside the turbo to see if there are any oily deposits and such inside. If that is the case I think you need to rebuild the turbo.

[veedubmechanic]

your turbo oil seals are going out. Soon enough you will get lots of smoke out the tailpipe when the exhaust side goes out.

I would reccomend a new turbocharger, very common. They usually only last 90-110k on vw's any engine.