Over time an oil leak I had developed got worse and worse. Originally I thought it was a valve cover gasket leak as I had just done a valve adjust, but as it got worse it was apparent it was coming more from the front of the engine. I really couldn't tell where it was coming from but my assumption was it was coming from the turbo seals. I pulled the turbo and manifolds and quickly determined the source of the leak - the drain tube cracked almost in half.
It's not a common problem for a turbo drain to crack, at least in the middle, so what caused the failure - one on the bolts on the turbo support bracket backed out allowing the turbo to flex a bit and cause the fatigue crack in the tube. I had a bit of a scare when I discovered what appeared to be a crack in the intake manifold. Did this crack due to vibration too? Fortunately closer examination showed it was just a casting anomaly.
Based on my original assumption, I ordered a turbo rebuild kit and began rebuilding my spare turbo. I haven't completely decided, but I think the original one is going back in. I also considered going with the federal manifolds and turbo setup, but that's too much work....though a test fit showed there was plenty of room for the lower mounting configuration (great to have options).
I decided this was a great time to do the turbo drain upgrade I've been planning. My oil lines are all stainless braided hose and AN fittings, as are the fuel lines and catch can hoses. Originally I made a two piece adapter for the drain tube (blue anodized one) but as my machining skills have improved I was able to make a one piece -10 adapter shown with the -6 catch can drain fittings.
The drain fitting can be installed with epoxy, JB Weld, RTV or possibly oil pan sealer - I used JBWeld.
The -10 fitting for the turbo end is a standard adapter readily available on eBay, speed shops and custom parts outlets.
Anyone that's ever removed the drain tube on a 617 upper oil pan will appreciate the simplicity of just removing a hose and never having to go through the pain and aggravation again!