Turbo mounting...does it have to be horizontal??
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi i have a question regarding the mouting of a turbo.

I have mounted mine on a custom manifold which angles the turbo down at about 30 -40 degress from horizontal.

I have had a problem with oil getting into the compressor housing.
I thought it could be the seals so i changed the turbo, however the next one seems worse with a puddle of oil developing in the housing. Could this be both turbos have worn seals or are turbos not designed to be angled from horizontal???

998 turbo in progress.... DONE..........KNACKERED LOL

i think you will find its the angle thats the problem as the oil will be siting against the seal on the shaft and leaking through instead of runing to the bottom and strate out the return pipe as it should.
if it was ok to mount turbos on an angle i think some factorys would have done so by now and i havint seen any so i assume it shouldnt be done

MINI King of the road

Hi,
I think the Metro manifold to T2 conversion is on a slight angle, but with the compressor higher. You seem to have much more of an angle.
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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My Mini build diary

Generally up to 30deg should be fine, perhaps your turbo just needs looked at ??

But in general, they do need to be mounted as close to horizontal as possible.

In many builds too ( not so much in the UK ) it is quite common to require a restrictor in the oil feed to the turbo, depending on oil pressure etc.

9.85 @ 145mph
202mph standing mile
speed didn't kill me, but taxation probably will

Yeah they like to be horizontal.

And as steve says many turbos expect a limited oil supply.

Alex

AlexF