Oil in the pipes..

[Mr Rob]

have just got in from doing the cambelt and water pump and while i had the intake pipes off i noticed a thin wet coating of oil in the pipes. Is this ok or could the turbo seals be about to give up the ghost. Not noticing any smoke coming from the back but then never really looked.

 

[auq]

nah should be fine mate, mine has small oil collecting in the IC pipework, unless its smoking or losing pressure i shouldnt worry!

 

[Seatmann]

+1 completely normal, as said you'll get a lot of smoke and also the oil level will go down quick if the turbo seals are going.

 

[t32er]

again just to re assure ya, its fine and normal!!!

 

[James.Judd.1]

As said, perfectly normal.

It happens because the fumes vented from the crankcase are directed back into the intake, and over time lines all the pipes & intercooler with a coating of oil. This is done for emmission purposes as seat cant just vent oil fumes to atmosphere.
To stop this you want to remove the PCV (Positive crankcase ventalation) system and vent to atmosphere via a oil catch can. This is a very common mod.
A quick search will bring you all the info you need.