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The turbo oil feed pipe is not powertrain warranty. The turbo is however.
I would like to add that we have gotten GM to pay for the line during a turbo replacement, but not as a stand alone repair.

Here is the old PI on the line, but it mainly pertains to restricted lines not to leaking lines. Note the update on the fans also.

#PI0851A: Turbocharger Oil Feed and Return Line Inspection When Servicing Turbocharger Assembly - (Feb 22, 2013)

Subject: Turbocharger Oil Feed and Return Line Inspection When Servicing Turbocharger Assembly
Models: 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
Equipped with Engine RPO LUJ or LUV
[HR][/HR]This PI is being revised to update the Oil Line Inspection/Recommendation. Please discard PI0851.
[HR][/HR]Oil Line Inspection/RecommendationIf SI diagnostic procedures determine that the turbocharger assembly needs to be removed or replaced, the oil feed pipe should be checked for restriction. Replace the pipe if restricted. Do not attempt to clean the pipe assembly. It is also a good practice to inspect the oil return pipe for any damage or restriction before reinstalling the turbocharger assembly. Another indication of a restricted oil feed pipe could be a claim of an oil leak in the area of the turbo oil return pipe. Inspection of this pipe could lead to finding the return pipe has been damaged as a result of excessive heat due to an inadequate oil supply to the turbo.
ECM CalibrationIn addition to checking the oil pipes, the technician should verify the ECM has the latest calibration. This calibration contains a function that allows the cooling fans to run for a short period of time, after the vehicle has been driven under certain conditions, when the vehicle is shut off. This latest calibration allows the turbocharger to cool in less time, reducing the likelihood of the oil coking in the oil feed pipe. Good vehicle maintenance practices will also help to reduce the oil from coking in the oil feed pipe. To avoid the customer coming back with a concern, you should inform them of the calibration change that allows the fans to run after the key is shut off.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
55592600
Turbo Oil Feed Pipe
 
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I would like to add that we have gotten GM to pay for the line during a turbo replacement, but not as a stand alone repair.

Here is the old PI on the line, but it mainly pertains to restricted lines not to leaking lines. Note the update on the fans also.

#PI0851A: Turbocharger Oil Feed and Return Line Inspection When Servicing Turbocharger Assembly - (Feb 22, 2013)

Subject:Turbocharger Oil Feed and Return Line Inspection When Servicing Turbocharger Assembly
Models:2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
Equipped with Engine RPO LUJ or LUV
[HR][/HR]This PI is being revised to update the Oil Line Inspection/Recommendation. Please discard PI0851.
[HR][/HR]Oil Line Inspection/RecommendationIf SI diagnostic procedures determine that the turbocharger assembly needs to be removed or replaced, the oil feed pipe should be checked for restriction. Replace the pipe if restricted. Do not attempt to clean the pipe assembly. It is also a good practice to inspect the oil return pipe for any damage or restriction before reinstalling the turbocharger assembly. Another indication of a restricted oil feed pipe could be a claim of an oil leak in the area of the turbo oil return pipe. Inspection of this pipe could lead to finding the return pipe has been damaged as a result of excessive heat due to an inadequate oil supply to the turbo.
ECM CalibrationIn addition to checking the oil pipes, the technician should verify the ECM has the latest calibration. This calibration contains a function that allows the cooling fans to run for a short period of time, after the vehicle has been driven under certain conditions, when the vehicle is shut off. This latest calibration allows the turbocharger to cool in less time, reducing the likelihood of the oil coking in the oil feed pipe. Good vehicle maintenance practices will also help to reduce the oil from coking in the oil feed pipe. To avoid the customer coming back with a concern, you should inform them of the calibration change that allows the fans to run after the key is shut off.
Parts Information
Part NumberDescription
55592600Turbo Oil Feed Pipe
Wonder if the guy that wrote this that is the same guy that said the reason why my brake pedal was going to the floor my vacuum booster had too much vacuum. Or that bit about lean burn, fuel tank is empty causing too much air getting into the engine.

Can see problems with this oil feed tube in regards to restrictions, first is that really sharp bend coming out of the block, not a darn reason they couldn't have used a gentle radius, sharp bends cause a restriction more than anything else, this was even well known in the Roman days when pipes were first used.

Then this bit about a restriction causing the O-Ring to leak, if that oil pump is worth two cents, that pressure should not change whether a restriction exists or not. Then if this is so important, why didn't they use 1/4" instead of 3/16". that extra 1/16 of an inch would more than double the cross sectional area.

You would have to be blind to see heat damage, then how much heat is required to distort brake line? Try more like 2000*F. Then the source of the restriction, not only the feed tube, but the turbo, and the return line as well.

Ha, a bit familiar with tech writers, prime concern is an English major, also proof read by an attorney that is far more concerned with liability. One thing they really hate is specifications, why? Because specifications are a means of liability if a component does not meet them.

Won't even give vent temperatures for an AC system under various ambient temperatures, but preach the reason why your vehicle feels too warm, you are wearing too many clothes. Engineers call this BS. Sure plenty of this going on. We provide all this information to the tech writing department, guess they don't want to confuse people with facts.

Key problem with this oil feed tube is that sharp bend and the use of a very short life O-Ring.
 
Can see problems with this oil feed tube in regards to restrictions, first is that really sharp bend coming out of the block, not a darn reason they couldn't have used a gentle radius, sharp bends cause a restriction more than anything else, this was even well known in the Roman days when pipes were first used.
Since that is such a small pipe, that is a very generous radius. A typical long radius pipe elbow is 1 1/2 x Nominal Pipe Size. That radius is MUCH bigger than 1 1/2 NPS. I'd doubt the K factor is much different from straight pipe.

Turbos don't need an unlimited oil supply. In fact, many turbo lube oil systems are restricted to 0.040" or slightly greater to prevent leaks at the seals. I'd suspect the banjo bolt is the restriction on the Cruze's turbo. It's amazing to me that GM didn't insulate the supply better from new. I'm sure there's some tendency for coking with the supply running that close to the exhaust.
 
Discussion starter · #24 ·
Since that is such a small pipe, that is a very generous radius. A typical long radius pipe elbow is 1 1/2 x Nominal Pipe Size. That radius is MUCH bigger than 1 1/2 NPS. I'd doubt the K factor is much different from straight pipe.

Turbos don't need an unlimited oil supply. In fact, many turbo lube oil systems are restricted to 0.040" or slightly greater to prevent leaks at the seals. I'd suspect the banjo bolt is the restriction on the Cruze's turbo. It's amazing to me that GM didn't insulate the supply better from new. I'm sure there's some tendency for coking with the supply running that close to the exhaust.
One thing I stress to a lot of people is that the oil quality available where these engines are designed is far better than what we have here. To put some perspective into this, synthetic oil accounts for 8% of our lubrication market. In Europe, synthetic oil accounts for over 50% of their lubrication market. With good synthetic oils, coking becomes far less of an issue, and with the best synthetics out there, coking is effectively eliminated. It was only when that Opel engine was brought to the US that we started seeing those problems come up, and the line was revised to include a heat shield and an extra o-ring.
 
One thing I stress to a lot of people is that the oil quality available where these engines are designed is far better than what we have here.
Yep - I've seen several Opel manuals for the 1.4T referring specifically to the use of Mobil1. Here we get GM's Dexos1 5W-30.
 
Discussion starter · #26 ·
Yep - I've seen several Opel manuals for the 1.4T referring specifically to the use of Mobil1. Here we get GM's Dexos1 5W-30.
I'd wager their M1 formulation is notably different than ours as well...
 
if this oil feed line was to go how much oil would you lose. on my gfs car if you pop the hood most of the left side of the motor is full of oil, She is losing about a liter of oil a day. Any ideas if it would be this oil feed line? or do you have any other recommendations for me.
 
Discussion starter · #32 ·
if this oil feed line was to go how much oil would you lose. on my gfs car if you pop the hood most of the left side of the motor is full of oil, She is losing about a liter of oil a day. Any ideas if it would be this oil feed line? or do you have any other recommendations for me.
I'd start by investigating the check valve. If that goes, a lot of things will start leaking. The turbo oil feed line is toward the front of the engine. The passenger side of the engine would leak from the CPASV seals at the top, or the water pump. Have you checked the check valve yet?

http://www.cruzetalk.com/forum/34-g...4l-turbo/192442-2011-2016-cruze-1-4-pcv-valve-cover-intake-manifold-issues.html
 
I just got done with this. It is literally a *15 minute* job.

If you are on your original turbo and haven't changed this part yet, it is cheap and easy insurance.

note: The banjo bolt 30 N/m translates to 265 in/lbs, if you only want to use one torque wrench.
 
I picked up a new oil feed line from the dealer and did this repair on my Cruze today. I thought it might be worth mentioning that the part number has been updated again- I got 25198546, which apparently replaces the 55592600 that was current when this how-to was written.
 
"Do not attempt to clean the pipe assembly" why not? i have the original pipe on mine, but why can't it just be cleaned out and a new oring ?

2: Is there a reason to visit the dealer just for updated ECM programming?
Yeah I don't buy it.. heck you could give it to your local engine rebuilder and they will throw it in their chemical clean tank for free I'm sue.. it will come out sparkling.

Also what colour are these O rings?.. If they are black then they are probably Buna N. You can get a full set of multi sized Buna N O rings from Harbor Frieght for like $10.. As there are many or O rings on this car it may be worth picking up a set. Buna N is rated up to 250F

They also have Viton o rings (brown).. Viton has a working temperature range of up to 400F and will be an upgrade.

Note I have not seen the turbo pipe O rings.
 
I picked up a new oil feed line from the dealer and did this repair on my Cruze today. I thought it might be worth mentioning that the part number has been updated again- I got 25198546, which apparently replaces the 55592600 that was current when this how-to was written.
Hi. First off I'd like to say thanks to xtremerevolution for all the info you've provided. 2014 Cruze LT A/T. Came home one day after a fresh snowfall and noticed a line (not a drip) of oil from where she had backed out of the driveway. Texted her and asked to check the oil and sure enough it was not even showing on the dipstick. Long story short, it was leaking profusely from the oil return tube at the filter housing assembly. Amazed that the engine didn't seize up let alone catch fire due to the amount of oil leaking near the exhaust manifold. It already has the double O ring fitting.

Ordering the new tube (55592600 / 25198546) from GMParts online for 36.64 CAD. Curious what the O rings will look like once I take it off. Will post pic if able.
 
Check out my “how to” video I made on this!
Thanks for the video with the correct torque for the bolts. This is one of the easiest repairs and one of the main reasons that the dealer sold me a 2011 so cheap. Oil all over the engine compartment they just just wanted this trade-in out of there hands. And thank you for starting this thread XtremeRevolution.
 
Hi all,

I just experienced the "Exxon Valdez" (massive oil leak) from the turbo oil feed line at 112k miles. I noticed my feed line is not insulated but it does have the large washer rather than just the "side clip" shown in the picture above. So do I have the old style (single o ring) or the new double o ring style?

I might just replace the oring(s) on the end of the pipe while I wait for the new one to show up from Amazon.

While looking on Amazon I saw this statement from one of the "Q&A" on the Amazon site.

"From my research, the root cause of the engine leaking oil is due a failed check valve from the bleed air line to the engine. Once the check valve fails, the over pressure forces each weak link to leak. First the return line, then the oil cooler, then the cam seals."

Can somebody shed light light on what he is talking about? I have never heard of a bleed air line to to cause engine oil to over-pressure.. Is this a real thing?

Secondly, at this many miles what are the odds the the return line is about to fail in the near future? Should that be replaced as well?

Frank
 
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