Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys, I've noticed my 02wrx ocassionally smokes at idle. Its not vivid blue but blueish. When you pull away there is a puff of smoke then gone. It did this before after the car hadn't been used for a few weeks but seemed to disappear.

It doesn't do it cold so I think that means its probably not stem seals, they generally give smoke when cold I think. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
Car doesn't really use much oil. Perhaps needs a very small top up between oil changes.

I can't see any trace of water in the oil or vice versa, so hoping not headgasket. This has left me wondering if its the turbo seals. Is there any way I can check to see if this is the case? Does anyone have any more thoughts on the problem?

If it is the turbo seals I cant think of a better reason for td05/vf swap! Honey turbos broken, may as well get a bigger one hey

sweden

iTrader: (2)

disconnect intercooler pipes and see how much oil is in the pipe work, might also want to check the amount of play you have on the turbo shaft hopefully its enough to warrent a new turbo

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Will have a look next weekend. I guess a little bit of oil would be normal though?

Is play in the shaft an indication that the oil seals are coming to the end? I don't wont to go spending big bucks and find it is something even more horrifying if I can avoid it!

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

There was a bit of oil in the pipes, not mega loads though. The smoke isn't vivid blue has a blueish tinge. Thought maybe the exhaust side of the turbo is leaking and the oil is part burning in the exhaust, hence blueish but not vivid.

Smoke clears on boost after a few seconds. I tried removing the oil filler cap while running and there was hardly anything blowing out.

Couldnt get at the turbo, heat shield bolts were cooked, really need to get it on a ramp I think so can get under for better access.

I still think its probably the turbo but would like to hear other opinions too.

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Anybody? Before I take the plunge for a vf turbo

Dougmy06wrx

iTrader: (4)

Could it just be condensation in your exhaust? Is it stainless steel? Sounds silly but mine used to do it in the mornings when cold outside!

Doug

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Defo not condesation. Only does it when warm, nothing at all when cold. Theres defo a blue hint to the smoke. Know what you mean about the condesation on a cold morning and it certainly isnt that.

his-n-her-scoobs

iTrader: (5)

Drive it till fully warm then leave it idling for 10 minutes then drive off only using light boost in 1st and 2nd. If you leave a smoke screen that clears after a dose of heavy boost in 3rd you have a turbo problem. Or at least that's what mine did.

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Old girls decided she doesn't want to smoke today

his-n-her-scoobs

iTrader: (5)

Don't worry about it then

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Started doing this once before then stopped mysteriously, having said that smoking a lot more and for longer this time. Will have to keep a close eye on it methinks. I've managed to convince mrs its new turbo time though so not all bad!

Matt2732

iTrader: (1)

Thought I'd drag this back up for those searching, anyways changed the turbo (vf30) and so far no smoke! Looking good for now.