so I bought a used pair of turbos for my skyline and theres no play, I trust the person I got them off and they have done little miles. my heart sank this morning though when I noticed oil on the flange werethe turbo meets the manifold. ichecked closer and its definitely come from the centre housing. im wondering if it normal for oil to get past the seal if the turbo is stored upside down to the ways its supposed to be when mounted. the drains were blocked off to prevent oil dripping out and there was definitely a cap of oil in the turbo. I haven't done the same with the other turbo yet

 

There are no seals as such in most turbos, so if you sit them at a strange angle, then any oil inside the core can run out.

 

thanks stevie, just for anyone else in the future, the turbos were fitted and were perfect.