dreaded blue smoke

[stevogt]

hey all ive got the dreaded blue smoke loll only when the car has been idleing for a couple of mins it never smokes when starting up untill its warm but as soon as i blip the throttle i get a puff of blue then its totally clear im thinking the turbo i just wanna be sure before i worry about internals also i have a whine developed a couple of months back ive changed the belt and pulleys and its still there its deffo from the top end on the cam belt tho it seems like everything is happening at once too i need an engine mount hanbrake cables and some other bits its turning into a shed loll but i dont really wanna get rid because ive fallen in love with it where should i start any help appreciated.

[Glanza_cl]

if it builds up over a period of the car idling then it could be valve stem seals.

turbo will blow blue smoke on hard acceleration if the seals are on the way out

[Jozinobi]

Im going through the same process mate, it seems to be early signs of CT9 oil seals on their way out.

If you are concerned about your engine internals do a leakdown or compression test.

Good consistent readings will tell you everything is fine with your piston rings.

Valve stem oil seals can also be the cause of the smoke.

CT9s all have a shelf life and they will eventually start to show early signs of seal failure especially with the increased boost levels that we all put them through. The blue smoke is from oil seeping out of the turbo's seals and getting burnt in the exhaust system.

Im not sure if my exhaust is blue smoke or not but it doesnt smell the same, and this is after a map @1bar.

I'm putting it down to the turbo as I have had a compression test done (results all consistent)

I will be upgrading turbo once it goes, and am totally prepared for it.

It still boosts fine and pulls like a champ at the minute.

Only thing you can do is change the turbo for a cleaner used unit (£80-£100 not guaranteeed not to smoke/start to smoke) or rebuild your current unit if it is serviceable (rebuild kit around £90) or upgrade to a hybrid turbo if you want to stay CT9. If you want to further investigate if it is definitely your turbo you can remove and visually inspect it for oil leaks at either side and also your intercooler pipe at the compressor side.

It doesnt smoke on boost because the turbo pressure forces the leak to be sealed.

If the seals are going/gone then oil will leak and get burnt out from the exhaust housing when on idle/blipping the throttle.

For peace of mind on your engine make sure to check your engine oil and coolant levels regularly.

Emulsification under your oil cap would mean water is getting past your headgasket causing failure.

I know the feeling, it can be quite difficult to 100% maintain these cars but once they are up to scratch they are very satisfying.

Joz

[ro55ifumi]

^^^ As above, just had the same issue, you may also see oil on the outer casing of the turbo too.

John

[iamlegend]

before anything try changing the PCV, some one on tgtt actually changed everything turbo etc then thought to change the PCV and it was actually that so do try

[Jozinobi]

Check out this topic for the vids Blowby

My catch can smokes half as much as that and it doesn't bubble oil.

I'll also be replacing my pcv valve.

Joz

[stevogt]

Thank you for the info guys its my first turbo car so im still learning what is the pcv? the car is pretty standard apart from the exhaust and dump valve it still pulls well spins up in first in the dry. The repair kit for these could i repair it myself im relatively mechanically minded i did my clutch in 2.5 hours and my timing belt in 3.5 its just if i need special tools or not. also underneath my i/c there is a rocker breather missing it just has a piece of garden hose in it i wanna get it right im not bothered about big power as i cant really afford it its just at the age where things need doing and im in two minds what to do i will do a compression test this weekend what should the pressure be on the ports