Had a 2.3ltr engine built a few weeks ago (2ltr closed deck (EJ20) block with custom liners and forged pistons using a 2.5 crank ) done a run in with about 1,700 miles on the clock now - had 1 oil change at 500 miles, another at 1,000 miles using fully synthetic 15w50 motul V, 700 miles from the last oil change, checked the oil today and it is at the low level mark . Prior to this - about 4 days ago the car developed a weird scratching/ticking noise at the front of the engine (sounded like a belt that was rubbing against something, maybe a bit more metallic but cant be sure) when cold and would sound normal when its warmed up. I didnt pay too much attention to it as it sounded like it was a pulley or AC belt scratching - but now im begining to think the worst - would a piston catching on the bore sound about the same ?

I havent parked with the rear end facing the walls before, but just yesterday when i left my car standing for a minute or 2 at the wall to warm up after the night standing i found this!!




There was also a considerable ammount of moisture, it looked like its was raining soot!

Putting my hand to the exhaust today, it was all wet and black after 15 seconds...

Can anyone please advise?

 

Bigger picture here:
Putfile - Uploaded Picture

 

Also - it doesnt use any coolant and there isnt any smoke of any sort when idling..

 

The looks like the back of my garage wall after starting my 2.33.

Forged engines can sound a bit slappy when cold and there can be a fair bit of blow by until they've warmed up a bit. If it's a grinding noise get it checked NOW not later though.

 

my car leaves a soot mark, however mine is overfuelling like mad due to an air leak

 

You noticed the usage after changing to the 15/50, what oil did you use on the 500 mile change and the original build?

 

Phew, Thanks guys! It was driving me mad ! The oil we used at 500 miles was semi synthetic 15W40.
I did notice that it used some oil on semi synthetic as well, but it was much less.

And how much oil usage is considered ok guys ?

 

Spray WD40 on the belts and see if the noise stops, I think it may, what you see out the rear is normal for a cold stsrting engine, and oil consumption of a "built" engine is always "something" inherant from the larger clearances used that provide the extra abaility to take abuse !!

cheers

bob