Massive Oil Leak after Turbo replacement

[bwbowman1]

Hello,

I have a small dilemma here. I have a 2015 Chevy Sonic with the 1.4 turbo. It has a 151k miles.

My Chevy sonic had smoke coming from the exhaust and a low boost engine code. I work at a body shop and took the car to the shop we take all of our mechical repairs too. They found oil in the turbo and thought the turbo was on its way out. I had them replace the turbo it was a 1800 fix. The car is a tool for me to get to work at my job which is well paying so I was more than willing to fix it.

I got the car back and on my way home the car ran out of oil, like no oil on the dip stick, dry. and I found a massive leak coming from the bottom of the engine. I noticed on the oil return line it was missing the metal bracket the plastic clip of the return line clips to was gone. As if they didn’t reinstall it. It sort of appeared the oil was coming from there and dripping down. But was hard to tell with the amount of oil.

I had the car towed back to the shop. They called me there today, the owner said the crank seal and that is where the leak was coming from and said the bracket has no use and that the return line was seated correctly. They say that have no responsibility. I am in no way looking for trouble or anything free. I am truly just wondering if this is plausible.
Does anyone have any thoughts? Would the crank seal just go like that? Could it have blown from low oil?

 

[shykoh]

Just replaced my turbo on my Sonic 1.4L, the OEM oil drainpipe is a POS.

When I removed it, the plastic nozzle broke off in the iron block. I had to pull it out with a pick. I replaced it with the Dorman one with the metal nozzle. Installation was a pain though, we had to push it in with a super long flathead from the top.

The turbo oil drain in my opinion is a single use line and should not be reused at all. It has two O rings that can deteriorate or fall off in removal. Not to mention the OEM one is plastic. Unfortunately replacing this line requires you to pull the turbo again.

I would get a second opinion, but it sounds like a botched turbo install or parts were reused that shouldn't be reused. Keep in mind I am DIY weekend mechanic, but I just did this replacement, so it is fresh on my mind.

Here is a link to the dorman. https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-14...r%20Oil%20Return%20Tube&origin=YMM#productBuy

As for running an engine on low oil, it is probably the worst thing you can do to an engine. I would recommend getting a professional mechanic to check your engine for damage probably before the leak is diagnosed/fixed just in case the engine is totaled.

 

[bwbowman1]

Just replaced my turbo on my Sonic 1.4L, the OEM oil drainpipe is a POS.

When I removed it, the plastic nozzle broke off in the iron block. I had to pull it out with a pick. I replaced it with the Dorman one with the metal nozzle. Installation was a pain though, we had to push it in with a super long flathead from the top.

The turbo oil drain in my opinion is a single use line and should not be reused at all. It has two O rings that can deteriorate or fall off in removal. Not to mention the OEM one is plastic. Unfortunately replacing this line requires you to pull the turbo again.

I would get a second opinion, but it sounds like a botched turbo install or parts were reused that shouldn't be reused. Keep in mind I am DIY weekend mechanic, but I just did this replacement, so it is fresh on my mind.

Here is a link to the dorman. https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-140263-667-520.aspx?year=2017&make=Chevrolet&model=Sonic&parttype=Turbocharger%20Oil%20Return%20Tube&origin=YMM#productBuy

As for running an engine on low oil, it is probably the worst thing you can do to an engine. I would recommend getting a professional mechanic to check your engine for damage probably before the leak is diagnosed/fixed just in case the engine is totaled.

I appreciate the reply. The hose they put on is definitely a new hose. I am just unsure if it secured to the block since they didnt reinstall the metal bracket the hose clips on to. I just find it strange.

Its back at their shop now. They supposedly put oil back in it and the engine sounds fine. They replaced the seal already that they thought where the oil was coming from which is the front crank seal. They are supposedly taking it for a long test drive this morning before returning it back to me.

I just dont get how the car wasnt leaking badly or really at all before the new turbo install but then before 300 miles on new turbo there is a massive oil leak. Possibly increase from new turbo put more pressure into case? I know things about body repairs, but not much of a mechanic.