Mad Dog

I have a MY01 WRX with SS downpipe, centre decat & backbox with Forge VTA dump valve. In the last month I've had smoke from under the bonnet on several occasions, on starting up and after a long run. Seems to be coming from (I think) near the up-pipe. Also running a rich fuel mix with a smoky exhaust. Had check engine light once for 10 minutes - disappeared.

Any ideas what's wrong? Faulty gasket/seal? I'm a bit worried!!!

Thanks, Mark

john banks

The richness COULD be from the VTA (not saying it is). The CEL could be from the decat. The smoke could be for example a small oil leak from the rocker cover gasket dropping onto a hot exhaust, or a multitude of other things. All impossible to say without seeing the car and getting some diagnostics.

Mad Dog

Thanks, John.

When the downpipe and centre decat were fitted, there was a gap in a gasket (not sure which) but I was told that carbon from the engine would seal it.

The smoking all started after the DV was fitted. Changing from the soft to harder spring in the DV seemed to then cause the exhaust problems.

The CEL was after hard driving for 10 mins; I have had the "black box fix" as recommended.

[Edited by Mad Dog - 10/13/2002 5:46:40 PM]