Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

Car is a '52 WRX PPP, 54000 miles and its done about 5000 miles since its last service (Subaru dealer). The missus noticed a problem last weekend when i started it - she said it chucked a load of blue smoke out of the exhaust

Smoke seems to go away when the engine is hot - checked the oil because i know blue smoke is burning oil and it was low - below the minimum marker (although it was still showing on the dipstick). topped it up with 300ml which put the oil level halfway between low and full (didn't want to overfill it).

Left it at that for a while - been using a different car until today. started it this morning and more blue smoke. had to drive it to work (10 miles) and seemed ok once warm. drove it home this evening and whilst it will boost, it doesn't quite seem as urgent in its acceleration as normal. the turbo also sounds different - at around 2500-3000rpm when it normally whistles faintly whilst spooling up, theres a more noticable swooshing sound, which stutters when i back off the gas quickly. also noticed pops from the exhaust a little when jumping off the gas, but not sure if they've always been there and i'm listening for faults more than i should!

thoughts people? i've read about pistons and turbos going - anything i can check to find out whats actually wrong? cheers

1033YL74

I don't know what's wrong, however it seems odd that 5000 miles since it's last service and the oil level is so low. Have checked for any leaks?

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

Most likely turbo oil seals, particularly if you're getting blue smoke on boost. Not a major issue TBH, a good s/h TD04 (presuming it's std/ppp) can be had for peanuts and about 2hrs labour to fit (>£200 in total). You could always use it as an excuse to fit a bigger turbo (VF35, very nice road turbo IMHO), but then you're looking at a few other mods and a remap (ie >£1k).

One other thing could be valve stem oil seals, although, iirc these smoke on start-up only and not once warm..

I take it there's no knocking/metallic noises from engine when under load (say foot to floor from 2k in 4th gear)..?

Where are you based..? Get a local independent specialist to take a look if possible..

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

Valve stem oil seals? that a big problem? i had a mate following me earlier and he said he couldn't see any blue smoke once warm - only when starting.

No metallic knocking noises from engine when flat out.

JohnD

iTrader: (5)

As said, sounds like tubo oil seal and if thre's a noise with it, maybe the bearing!
JohnD

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

If its the turbo oil seals, is this a serviceable part without changing the whole turbo unit? or still a case of new turbo time?

BlooSooby

I've got a spare TD04 unit in my garage, it's only done around 7000 kms and has zero play in the shaft. Unfortunately i'm in Brisbane, Oz. I've also got a gasket set for fitting it too......don't know how much it would cost to send it back to the Motherland.:-0

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

cheers for the offer - but hopefully i can pick one up over here without having to get it sent round the world

BlooSooby

Happy with that, the Ozzies lurve 'Rexys' over here, always a healthy spares market;-)

scoobz72

Do you have a dump valve fitted? I mean is it recirc or vent to atmosphere?
If its vented then see if its smoking from there, if it is its a good chance you have either shot an oil ring or a piston. I would recommend a compression test on all cylinders.

My mrs scooby done exactly the same, turned out the piston had melted due to OCT95 fuelling.
She sold it after the rebuild lol

jasonius

iTrader: (1)

Irrc all TD series turbo's can be 'rebuilt', but it would probably need a new core, but IMHO it wouldn't be worth it, as good s/h TD04's can be had for ~£50.. In fact I recently sold mine, which came off my 05wrx, that had done <10k and was immaculate, for £50 inc delivery..!

A turbo change is relatively easy to do, so of all the things it 'could' be it's hopefully all that's needed..

A simpler way to check for excessive blow-by (say if a piston ring has failed) is just remove oil filler cap with engine ticking over. There shouldn't be any smoke coming out. There may be a slight misty vapour, but no more..

Get it to an independent scooby specialist for an expert opinion..

BTW, update thread with any conclusions..

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

cheers for the advice

I'm gonna get it booked in asap, luckily i've managed to borrow a car for my daily commute!

Took the scoob out for a short run yesterday with someone following watching for blue smoke, and there was none at all. Also, there was none the last couple of times i started it other - it justs seems to have gone away!

However, i'm pretty certain its the turbo - when on boost, theres a funny stuttering (almost rattling/vibrating noise) but its not there when below 2500rpm. The car is also slower in acceleration - the turbo is definately still helping, but its not as rapid as usual - its like its working at 50% or so....

Several people have mentioned getting a compression test done to rule out any engine issues - is this a quick and simple (cheap ) job for an expert, or a pain?