Hey,

I have been a lurker for a while. I am looking for suggestions on next steps for troubleshooting a problem. My setup started as a Bell kit with a 2860 turbo, braided lines, and separated gas down pipe. I added an FM intercooler kit with the silicone hoses. Right now running low boost 6PSI with the adjustable fuel pressure regulator. Megasquirt purchased but not yet installed.

So I get exhaust smoke, not enough for me to see in the mirrors while driving, but someone following me at a slow pace noticed it. Under boost I get enough smoke I can see it in the rear view mirror. Also letting the car run in the drive way, where the driveway slopes up and revving the motor puts a pretty good sized soot spot on the ground. The soot spot is pretty oily.

I pulled the oil return fitting out of the oil pan to verify there is no blockage and double check the hose routing for kinks. I pulled the intake hose from the turbo and it seems to be in good shape, no oil showing, no play, etc. The motor has about 30K on it, its a crate motor I got through the Mazdaspeed program, so completely stock. The PCV valve has a check valve between it and the intake.

Also, when I initially put the turbo on I was not running an oil restrictor, it was not in the Bell Kit which I bought used, but I have one on it now.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Todd

 

Leakdown?

 

Question is whether the oil is coming from the turbo or the engine. Assuming leakdown shows good numbers, I'd pull the turbo and check for oil in the exhaust manifold.

 

If you rev it to like 2k rpm and hold it there for about 10-20 seconds, and it starts smoking really bad, it's the turbo for sure. Get a rebuild kit and fix that ****.

 

Mine smokes like a mothertrucker if im idling pointed up a steep incline sitting still. I did a leakdown, all good, the next step is removing the turbo to check for oil. It has no shaft play, but that doesnt mean anything. Idk what it might be. Does the smoke have a smell? My **** smells like burnt rubber. lol

 

Oil in manifold = engine

Oil in down pipe = turbo

Oil in both = a fun rebuild, everything, winter project

 

May be a drainage issue if its happening only on inclines?

 

Based on the incline I'd guess its a problem with a bend in your oil return line.

 

Well I ordered a leak down tester from Summit Racing but its been a busy week or so. Plus we bought a new Miata for the wife and that burned a couple of evenings. Hopefully, I'll get the leak down test done this week.

Another question though searching I see where parts suppliers say the ball bearing turbos and not rebuildable, you have to buy a new CHRA. Is this correct, if not any recommendation for getting a rebuild kit?

Thanks,
Todd

 

replace the chra

 

Not 100% true. I had a fucked up turbo and oil actually did wick up into the manifold.

 

Leak it.

 

This is most definitely a possibility that i considered lastnight. Im gonna see what i can do about it, but im not in DIRE need of fixing it if its too involving, because the 1.8 is going in soon. I just wont drive up any hills.... lmao jk

 

I don't believe you can rebuild the Garrett 'R' series turbos...

 

Answering questions that were never asked?