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Smoke coming from Catch can (video), low compression

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Old 03-05-2012, 10:31 PM
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Default Smoke coming from Catch can (video), low compression

The motor has about 170k miles and low compression across the board. Bought the car this way and is running a ebay setup at 8 psi.

dry: 90, 115, 70, 115
wet: slightly higher but not a huge difference

The motor was blowing air out of te dip stick and often knocked it lose out of the slot. Also oil was found in the intercooler pipping. I added a catch can to help relieve the positive pressure in the head. I set it up using the two valve cover ventilation ports and capped off the MAF and intake manifold ports (like pictured in the video).

After taking it for a test drive there is constant stream of smoke coming out of the catch can vent and exhaust.

VIDEO: (click to view)


option 1:
Is there any chance I have a blown head gasket and am burning coolant which would also contribute to the low compression

option 2:
or is there a problem with my piston rings and I am getting excessive blow by and burning oil (need a new motor)

option 3:
other???



any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Attached Thumbnails Smoke coming from Catch can (video), low compression-th_20120305_184905.jpg  
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Old 03-05-2012, 10:38 PM
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Very blown motor. Time for a new one.
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Old 03-05-2012, 10:50 PM
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glad to hear im not the only one dealing with this problem lol! I ran the vent tube out of my wheel well so i dont have to see smoke coming out of my hood.. ive only got low comp on cyl#1 its at 120.. but i think i also have an external headgasket oil leak... Sucks cus i just did a headgasket but didnt resurface the head like a dumbass... But i cant seem to pinpoint the leak after regasketing everything twice.... oh well pickin up a new motor this week.
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Old 03-05-2012, 11:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Savington
Very blown motor. Time for a new one.
Ya, i figured. Just wanted to double check before pulling the motor. Thanks for the help!


Originally Posted by redrockkkit
glad to hear im not the only one dealing with this problem lol! I ran the vent tube out of my wheel well so i dont have to see smoke coming out of my hood.. ive only got low comp on cyl#1 its at 120.. but i think i also have an external headgasket oil leak... Sucks cus i just did a headgasket but didnt resurface the head like a dumbass... But i cant seem to pinpoint the leak after regasketing everything twice.... oh well pickin up a new motor this week.
Try a leak down test. It would be very helpful to pinpoint the problem since only one cylinder is bad. My entire engine is messed up and all cylinders are crap so i guess theres not use in that for me...

I have a spare engine in my garage that I am doing maintenance work on before I drop it in. Hopefully that will solve all my problems.
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Old 03-06-2012, 02:04 AM
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Rev it up, see how much more smoke comes out :P.


Check the radiator, any bubbles coming out of the over flow tank?
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Old 03-06-2012, 05:17 AM
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I would say its your rings. A blown head gasket would show much more smoke in my opinion.
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Old 03-06-2012, 11:45 AM
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those compression numbers are pretty terrible, and cyl 3 is especially bad. sav's response is most appropriate. at this point, it doesn't really matter whether it's rings or HG (smoke looks fairly white for it to be JUST oil), that motor needs to be replaced/refreshed. not a ton of value in diagnosing it further, i don't think.
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Old 03-06-2012, 07:32 PM
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Drop new block in then bore,skim and build the old one for FI. Then drop in back in.
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Old 03-06-2012, 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Bryce
I would say its your rings. A blown head gasket would show much more smoke in my opinion.
thanks for the input sire.

Originally Posted by devin mac
those compression numbers are pretty terrible, and cyl 3 is especially bad. sav's response is most appropriate. at this point, it doesn't really matter whether it's rings or HG (smoke looks fairly white for it to be JUST oil), that motor needs to be replaced/refreshed. not a ton of value in diagnosing it further, i don't think.
I agree. New motor going in soon. thanks for the help.

Originally Posted by Freaky Roadster
Drop new block in then bore,skim and build the old one for FI. Then drop in back in.
I'm just gonna run 8psi for a while so I'm hoping a stock block will hold up fine for a while. Ill definitely keep it in my garage for a while if I want to up the boost and do a serious build. Thanks.
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Old 03-07-2012, 08:03 PM
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8 psi or a bit less will be fine, it shouldn't put any real strain on a stock motor at all.
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Old 03-05-2021, 10:18 PM
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I am having a similar issue but my compression numbers are good, engine was rebuilt but still blows oil out of oil cap. And smoke from catch can. Running FM upgraded pcv valve.
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