tplociniak

iTrader: (3)

Finished up my turbo install last week, have been driving it now a few days. Was on a long trip with it today when on my way home I spewed white smoke for about 5 seconds. I was on the highway doing about 70-80 for an hour or so before this happened. Slowed down right after it and went to pull over but there was no real shoulder and no more smoke so I continued on but didn't go above 3500 rpm after that. When I checked under the good I found oil on the valve cover around my spark plug boots, on the breather filter, around the valve cover gasket area on the turbo side and on the compressor housing of the turbo. Anyone have ideas what could have caused this or what I need to look into? I have not pushed the car above 6000 rpm, and that was only once, I have been more around 4000 to 5000 rpm range, max boost was 9 psi

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

Is your intake system now configured in such a way that the breather line on the exhaust side of the valve cover is exposed to boost? Eg: does it connect to the inlet tract after the turbo compressor?

You may also find that your PCV valve is simply worn out and not able to block positive pressure from the intake manifold.

Pressurizing the inside of the engine can make oil come out of funny places.

tplociniak

iTrader: (3)

Here are the photos, its hard to show the oil, its more a light film than anything

tplociniak

iTrader: (3)

Joe to answer your question, you can see in the photos it is not connected to my intake tract at all, just a simple breather filter connected to the valve cover.

In regards to the PCV valve, can I test that or just order a new one? Are there replacements that are better for a turbo motor other than the stock valve?

Miater

Out of dip stick?

tplociniak

iTrader: (3)

would a VTA catch can solve this problem, if it is a pressurization issue causing oil to blow out of areas it shouldn't?

Joe Perez

iTrader: (8)

Judging by the residue on that little K&N breather filter, I'm guessing that's where the oil is coming from.

In response to the PCV valve, many have posited that the OEM unit from the 323GTX is superior in its ability to withstand boost. I can say only that I installed one on my turbo car at the same time as the turbo install, and had no issues, even though I also had a little VTA filter on the side of my valve cover like yours. You can try buying one from the dealer or from FM (they charge $20) or you could just go to your local auto parts store and ask for whatever generic valve they list for a 1989 Mazda 323 with the turbo engine. That would be the simplest first step.

If this fails, then a catch can may be in order. Ideally, it would be vented to the intake between the air filter and the compressor inlet, as this will apply a slight negative pressure at all times. If the catch can is not highly effective, this will also coat the inside of your intake tract with oil, which can decrease the efficiency of your intercooler.