eljay

Hi folks

Im looking for a 2nd opinion on my oil burning problem before I possibly waste a chunk of money.

Car: v3 STI ,walbro 255, decat exhaust, K&N Panel filter, HKS BOV.

History: Bottom end went so a 50k mile(approx) SCD bottom end was fitted. Heads checked and refitted. Noisy vf23 turbo changed for a S/H vf24 at same time (vf23 is no longer available for testing).

1500 miles orso later Im burning oil.

Blue cloud for 3secs at cold startup.
Blue cloud when at full boost.
Blue cloud when rolling to a stop downhill (very slight sometimes when on flat).
Sometimes smoke coming from turbo housing after a spirited run.
No smoke at all (or very little - unnoticeable) if driven off boost.
No smoke at idle.
No smoke when pulling away after idling.

Things checked:
Compression test shows 150-160 all 4 cylinders
PCV valve swapped
D/P removed and Turbo hot side checked for oil - sooty but not wet
Turbo shaft has quite noticeable play both up and down and in and out
Turbo is quite whiney
Possible Turbo rattle when cold started
Oil inside intercooler and TB but not puddles.

Car starts, runs and drives fine. No missfire. No lack of power.
Currently kept off road and only driven off boost if it has to be driven.

Im thinking (hoping?) that either my oil return line is restricted in some way or the Turbo oil seal is goosed. Contemplating fitting a vf34 + ESL ecu board + remap.

Any opinion would be greatly appreciated

wrx271

iTrader: (1)

TURBO

RedScoob

I'd guess at turbo as well. Another possibility is valve stem seals, but to be honest I don't know if that's a common fault on the EJ20.

djceri_g

soo glad I own a non turbo lol

wrx271

iTrader: (1)

Really

stonejedi

iTrader: (51)

Does sound turbo related like your turbo is passing oil,maybe an excuse for a upgradeSJ.

fasteddie84

iTrader: (1)

Does that not say that the turbo is knackered to you?

The turbo should have a bit of play but nothing major.

If you can get a free or cheap s/h one that you can get your hands on that you know 100% is in working order, I would change that. When you have it all apart, try cleaning all the oil breather and oil supply/feed lines to eliminate those.

Compression test may not be accurate as I had good compression on my engine (2.5 sti) but it still smoked and in the end, turned out to be broken ringland on 2 pistons.

May also be good to do an oil change at the same time as the type of oil may be a contributing factor but not the cause.

djceri_g

yes..from what I always hear/read about turbo troubles

eljay

I am unsure of how much play there should be in the shaft. The in and out play to me is worrying (1mm?) but others have said it is normal to have in/out play.

I was also under the impression that the VF24 could be quite a whiney turbo even when fully functioning properly.

The Turbo rattle Im not 100% sure about, it could very well be something else (noisy starter bearing, tappet etc)

Wouldnt that give me excessive crankcase pressure noticeable when Oil Filler Cap is removed? (There is very little pressure on mine)


Thanks for all responses so far.

Don Clark

Up and down play is acceptable due to sleeve bearings requiring a film of oil between bearing and shaft when rotating.

End float should be zero or not decernible - 1mm probably too much allowing oil to pass on start up and when off load................

wrx271

iTrader: (1)

i wouldnt listen to all the storys go get yourself a turbo you wont look back

blackpoolrock

Turbo