EGR leaks oil?

Tiny
SCARFACETHERIER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,000 MILES
The car is 1.9 tdi BXE engine golf 5 2007, 193000 km

Noticed a check oil lamp on my car (I was thinking it was normal because it’s due for a service and it drinks a little oil, didn’t really notice a big loss of oil, I think I added around 100ml,

The lamp went away when the car warmed up (btw I live far north in Europe above arctic circle)

Anyways...

Later I thought to check under engine cover, and say oil, and it seems like it’s coming from the EGR valve from top and groups at the bottom to I think intake, at least the part after egr cooler.

Now this egr to my knowledge is water cooled so idk why there is oil there in the first place.

Thank you for any help.
Thursday, January 15th, 2026 AT 3:28 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,998 POSTS
Yep, there will be oil at the EGR valve when the turbo fails, this is common, remove the intake/exhaust sides of the turbo to check the endplay of the main shaft, if it is excessive you have found the problem, (turbo is shot). Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on. Ken
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Thursday, January 15th, 2026 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,998 POSTS
Also, make sure the engine oil level is not over full.
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Thursday, January 15th, 2026 AT 11:44 AM

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