Notices
Projects For Serious DIY Car Projects

Blob WRX Wagon 2.1 Stroker Project

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 04 January 2018, 03:54 PM
  #511  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
I won't be using their parts either. Even asking you to pay for shipment o a replacement warranty fault is taking the total p155 to be honest. I'd have hit the roof!


AT least it will be back on the road again though.
The only reason I originally bought it was my OEM tank leaked at the filler neck. I'm now going to be on my 3rd Mishimoto tank

Seems like a good way to make money though, make **** parts, sell with a "Lifetime warranty", charge £35 for said warranty.
Old 04 January 2018, 03:55 PM
  #512  
the shreksta
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (20)
 
the shreksta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: hinckley
Posts: 8,445
Received 495 Likes on 339 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
I won't be using their parts either. Even asking you to pay for shipment o a replacement warranty fault is taking the total p155 to be honest. I'd have hit the roof!


AT least it will be back on the road again though.
i agree, that is very very poor customer service, they should cover all costs and also send a voucher or something like that as a gesture of good-will.
Old 04 January 2018, 05:30 PM
  #513  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

I agree. It's terrible. A warranty procedure like that is certainly going to damage their business.
Old 05 January 2018, 07:21 PM
  #514  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

New tank has arrived, chucked it on and ran it up to temp. No leaks. Welds look a lot better on this tank. See if it manages to stay leak free!
Old 09 January 2018, 08:47 AM
  #515  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

re-re-fixed. Good job. Fingers crossed this one holds up!
Old 09 January 2018, 11:00 AM
  #516  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
re-re-fixed. Good job. Fingers crossed this one holds up!
Seems to be so far.

Had another problem the other day. I'm running a 3 Port OBP catch can that's VTA. I ran a hose from the vent down the side of the gearbox to keep the stink away, but the hose I used clearly wasn't up to the job as it collapsed on top of the can blocking the vent, which meant crank case pressure built up and stopped the GT30 draining properly which meant lots of smoke after running it in boost

I've just moved the breather filter straight to the top of the catch can now and it seems to have resolved the issue. I'll have to find some 22mm hose that's more up to the job!
Old 09 January 2018, 11:26 AM
  #517  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Oh that's annoying. Hopefully no damage done to the turbo bearings? Would have thought not.


Sounds like you need some braided high temperature line or a length of hardline made up?
Old 09 January 2018, 11:40 AM
  #518  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
Oh that's annoying. Hopefully no damage done to the turbo bearings? Would have thought not.


Sounds like you need some braided high temperature line or a length of hardline made up?
I used a silicone hose, but the heat from the crankcase gases just made it go soft and collapse on itself. Turbo seems fine.
Old 15 January 2018, 09:03 PM
  #519  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

So it's still puffing a bit of smoke from the turbo. Mostly white with a tinge of blue, it's better than it was but I can still see it, get a little smoke as it starts to build boost, nothing that I can see whilst on boost and some puffs on overrun. Doesn't puff all the time, seems to do it intermittently. There is a bit of oil in the turbo to intercooler pipework and I think it's also leaking out of the turbine housing also, but I've not dropped the downpipe off to check.

I think the turbo may be seeing too much oil pressure. Currently running a -4an braided line with a 1mm restrictor screwed into the turbo. My engine is running an 11mm oil pump and revs to 7500rpm so I'm thinking I need a smaller oil restrictor. The next size down is 0.9mm so that'll be my first option. If it still puffs with that, then I'm going to hook up an oil pressure gauge in-between the restrictor and the turbo and see what it's actually getting pressure wise. Recommended is a max of between 40-45psi warm.

Doesn't seem to be affecting performance at all, and I can't say I noticed the level on the dipstick move much but I don't want oil getting shoved round my intercooler pipework to be burnt off potentially lowering the octane of the fuel!
Old 17 January 2018, 02:33 PM
  #520  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Took the pipework off that connects to the turbo. There isn't much in there, kind of a dark coating on the silicone joiner from oil mist by the look of it. I should think the turbine / exhaust side is where most of the leakage is.

I'm going to give it an oil change at the weekend and swap the oil restrictor for the turbo out and I'll also give it a compression test just to rule any engine related issues out.
Old 17 January 2018, 02:38 PM
  #521  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Fingers crossed.


Any play in the turbo?
Old 17 January 2018, 02:52 PM
  #522  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
Fingers crossed.


Any play in the turbo?
Not sure, I'd have to take the downpipe off to check as getting the turbo inlet off is a nightmare

I'm 99.9% sure it's the turbo that's smoking. It doesn't smoke from a cold start, or sat at idle. Puffs a little smoke as the turbo starts to spool up, seems pretty clean on boost, then on over run it puffs again. But it doesn't do it all the time and seems to happen intermittently. Smoke is greyish white with a tinge of blue maybe, the over run puffs look like drops oil hitting a hot exhaust. I did get it to smoke a little revving it from idle to about 4 or 5k revs where the turbo is starting to spin up and chattering, but only once and it wasn't much.

Engine seems fine, pulls hard, no hesitations, no misfires, no smoke out of the oil cap at idle etc, catch can contents look normal, I'm running an OBP 1 litre can that hasn't been emptied yet and it's about 1/4 - 1/3 full after 1500ish miles.
Old 17 January 2018, 02:57 PM
  #523  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

As you say it definitely sounds like turbo burning oil issue. Change the restrictor pill thing first and see where you get to with it. If it still smokes it may be turbo off and inspection time.


Bugger.
Old 17 January 2018, 03:02 PM
  #524  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
As you say it definitely sounds like turbo burning oil issue. Change the restrictor pill thing first and see where you get to with it. If it still smokes it may be turbo off and inspection time.


Bugger.
If the turbos coming off the same one won't be going back on

If I have to go to the hassle of swapping it out I'll just go rotated and bang a 35R on it
Old 17 January 2018, 03:08 PM
  #525  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

hahaha.


God I hope the turbo is goosed then. I'd love to see your wagon on a GT35R rotated turbo. That would be nuts!!!
Old 17 January 2018, 05:40 PM
  #526  
Dave Y
Scooby Regular
Support Scoobynet!
iTrader: (52)
 
Dave Y's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Forest of Dean
Posts: 5,167
Received 133 Likes on 97 Posts
Default

You two are putting ideas in my head now.
Is there much to be gained by going rotated?
Old 18 January 2018, 08:56 AM
  #527  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Yep! Lots. Standard location turbo will always be restricted in size due to going under the headers and intake size. Going rotated will allow fitment of a much bigger turbo like the GT35R and get MUCH better figures.


Do it Dave!!!!!
Old 19 January 2018, 02:07 PM
  #528  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

So did a little lunch time test. Car hadn't been started for 2 days. Rolled it out of the garage and did a video:


And also had my neighbour rev it whilst I held a kitchen towel near the exhaust.... Not sure there's much doubt something is wrong with the exhaust seal
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180119_130449.jpg
Views:	0
Size:	1.52 MB
ID:	71467  
Old 20 January 2018, 04:20 PM
  #529  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

So did a compression test on it today. Warmed it up until the fans kicked on and off then pulled the plugs to test it.

Drivers / turbo side both came out at exactly 125psi.
Passenger side both came out at exactly 140psi.

So 15psi difference between each side of the engine 😏. Seems a little odd to me. Still seems to run fine and pulls good vacuum etc. But I don't know what to think now. I'm still 99.9% sure the turbo is causing the smoke but I have no idea why the drivers side is 15psi down, maybe the timing has jumped or something on that side, or its done the head gasket in-between the cylinders or something (definitely hasn't blown in any other way). Needs looking into further. Will pull the timing covers off and check the marks when I get time then a leak down test I guess.

On another note my replacement mishimoto tank is leaking AGAIN from exactly the same place, complete waste of space company!
Old 21 January 2018, 07:45 PM
  #530  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Pulled the rad out today and removed the belt covers. Timing lines up fine so it's not that. The next thing I was going to check is whether the avcs solenoid is stuck and the cam is stuck advanced, as the intake valve will close early, less air to compress, less compression. Then if that all checks out and isn't the cause I'll stick a camera in it and have a look at the bores and pistons.
Old 22 January 2018, 11:12 AM
  #531  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

hmm... 15psi down is quite a lot to be honest. Not great. Bit odd it's on both cylinders though.


Have you contacted Graham at WMS for his thoughts yet? Would be worth a call. Nice guy and very helpful.


I'm not shocked your Mi-sh1ti-moto can is leaking again. I'd be wanting every penny I'd spent with them back now, including all the carriage they made you pay for faulty replacements. Terrible.

Last edited by BrownPantsRacing; 22 January 2018 at 11:35 AM.
Old 22 January 2018, 11:34 AM
  #532  
the shreksta
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (20)
 
the shreksta's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: hinckley
Posts: 8,445
Received 495 Likes on 339 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
hmm... 15psi down is quite a lot to be honest. Not great. Bit odd it's on both cylinders though.


Have you contacted Graham at WMS for his thoughts yet? Would be worth a call. Nice guy and very helpful.


I'm not shocked your Mi-****i-moto can is leaking again. I'd be wanting every penny I'd spent with them back now, including all the carriage they made you pay for faulty replacements. Terrible.
They made him pay postage for faulty products.......are you ****ing serious? That's ****ing shocking customer service
Old 22 January 2018, 11:39 AM
  #533  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by the shreksta
They made him pay postage for faulty products.......are you ****ing serious? That's ****ing shocking customer service

I believe they made him pay £35 every time he wanted to return a faulty unit for replacement. MADNESS.
Old 22 January 2018, 11:47 AM
  #534  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
hmm... 15psi down is quite a lot to be honest. Not great. Bit odd it's on both cylinders though.


Have you contacted Graham at WMS for his thoughts yet? Would be worth a call. Nice guy and very helpful.


I'm not shocked your Mi-sh1ti-moto can is leaking again. I'd be wanting every penny I'd spent with them back now, including all the carriage they made you pay for faulty replacements. Terrible.
I've ordered an Endoscope thing that links to your phone to have a look in the bores. It's got a mirror attachment too so I can see the valves. Going to pull the AVCS solenoid out on that side too and check it's not jammed up. 125psi isn't low enough for damaged pistons IMO, when my original 2.0 OEM lump did the pistons it was down to 100psi and smoking like a trooper out of the oil fill cap. And these are Manley 2618 pistons too, so the chances of them cracking etc are pretty slim. Spark plugs all looked the same and just had normal carbon build up on them, none were wet with oil etc.

If the motor is hurt then I'm afraid it'll be getting broken for bits as I couldn't face spending out on a new lump again, this one has cost thousands and if it's only lasted 1500 miles i'm going to be less than impressed. If it's a valve problem then I may be able to stomach pulling the engine and sorting the heads, but they were supposed to be fully refreshed when the entire engine was built.
Old 22 January 2018, 11:52 AM
  #535  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by ScottyPPP
I've ordered an Endoscope thing that links to your phone to have a look in the bores. It's got a mirror attachment too so I can see the valves. Going to pull the AVCS solenoid out on that side too and check it's not jammed up. 125psi isn't low enough for damaged pistons IMO, when my original 2.0 OEM lump did the pistons it was down to 100psi and smoking like a trooper out of the oil fill cap. And these are Manley 2618 pistons too, so the chances of them cracking etc are pretty slim. Spark plugs all looked the same and just had normal carbon build up on them, none were wet with oil etc.

If the motor is hurt then I'm afraid it'll be getting broken for bits as I couldn't face spending out on a new lump again, this one has cost thousands and if it's only lasted 1500 miles i'm going to be less than impressed. If it's a valve problem then I may be able to stomach pulling the engine and sorting the heads, but they were supposed to be fully refreshed when the entire engine was built.


If I had to put my money on it I'd be guessing valves or head gasket over pistons and block any day.
Old 22 January 2018, 11:53 AM
  #536  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Just out of interest, was there a compression test done after build when complete? Seems odd that they are both identical in their drop. Like head skim issue? Head gasket thickness?
Old 22 January 2018, 12:04 PM
  #537  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
Just out of interest, was there a compression test done after build when complete? Seems odd that they are both identical in their drop. Like head skim issue? Head gasket thickness?
This is the first time I've done a compression test on it. So in theory it could have been like this the entire time. It is weird, cylinders 1 & 3 were both exactly 125psi, I mean absolutely bang on 125, then 2 & 4 were both absolutely exactly 140psi. I can't see how it would kill both pistons on the same bank to exactly the same extent that they're both 15psi low, or valves to be honest. You'd expect the damage to vary slightly and them give slightly different compression numbers.
Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180120_144458.jpg
Views:	0
Size:	1.32 MB
ID:	71481   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180120_144648.jpg
Views:	0
Size:	1.22 MB
ID:	71482   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180120_144835.jpg
Views:	0
Size:	1.28 MB
ID:	71483   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_20180120_145031.jpg
Views:	0
Size:	1.23 MB
ID:	71485  
Old 22 January 2018, 12:06 PM
  #538  
BrownPantsRacing
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (6)
 
BrownPantsRacing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Herts & Bucks
Posts: 8,700
Received 128 Likes on 107 Posts
Default

Hmm. Worth talking to WMS me thinks. See if he did this check after the build. Almost like it was like this from build date TBH.
Old 22 January 2018, 12:14 PM
  #539  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BrownPantsRacing
Hmm. Worth talking to WMS me thinks. See if he did this check after the build. Almost like it was like this from build date TBH.
I'll stick a camera in there first and also check the AVCS solenoid. After I'm out of idea's I'll have a chat with him. If there is any valve or piston damage it should be pretty easy to see with the camera.
Old 24 January 2018, 05:15 PM
  #540  
ScottyPPP
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
 
ScottyPPP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Default

Ok so I've stuck the camera down there. Pistons arent cracked or burnt. Look either carbon that's wet with fuel or a bit oily, hard to tell. There's some scuffing on the bores, mainly on the bottom side of the pistons but looks ok and nothing too serious. I used the mirror and had a look at the valves as best I could, it's not easy twisting a thin cable about I can tell you! They all look normal colour wise, not oily. But I noticed on the seat of one of the valves in cylinder #1 a whiteish looking area and it looks like the valve seat is cracked 🙄.



I managed to get in through the throttle body and down to the back of the valves on that side (no idea which piston) and they look quite oily and black. So I think the oil smoke may be coming from the valve seals.

Pic of the bores:


Can see a little scuffing above that blob of fuel / oil but doesn't look bad at all. Can still see the cross hatch in the bores also.

Either way it looks like it's got to come to bits 🙁. Not checked #2 & #4 yet as my endoscope thing went flat.


Quick Reply: Blob WRX Wagon 2.1 Stroker Project



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:43 PM.