auralisRS

This car is giving me a right pain in the ar#e. I have just noticed that my car is throwing out a blue/grey smoke whilst stopped on idle, or at the lights. You drive off and its fine, stop at the lights again and its ok for about 3 mins, then it starts smoking again.

I have checked the oil level, thats fine, air filter is Ok, so it must be the valve guide oils seals, but i have just had the head reconditioned with new seals etc, less that 150 miles ago. Can anyone shine any light on this please....

Richie Russ

Turbo on its last legs ?

RS_Cosworth330

Mine did EXACTLY the same as this and it was the Turbo oil seals that were knackered! I was confused for a while as to why it didn't smoke under boost then if the seals were fooked? but then it was explained to me that the reason it only smokes at idle is because that is when there is no back pressure to help them seal!! Was also advised to get it sorted sooner rather than later to prevent any further damage

auralisRS

Hi, over the past few days I have done some other tests which make me think mine is the valve guide oil seals. Basically it runs from cold in the driveway on idle for about 15 minutes before any smoke starts appearing, then it just keeps coming, until its driven. I have checked inside the hoses from the turbo that go into the intercooler, they are clean, which points to the turbo being ok. Engine oil level is fine, Oil breather hoses are not blocked, and Air cleaner is clean.

auralisRS

Ok, confirmed now it is the turbo. Apparently it doesn't smoke for 10 minutes or more as the exhaust has to heat up, then the oil thats leaked out the back of the turbo burns. The smoking stops when the car is driven as the back pressure in the exhaust prevents it smoking, so classic turbo failure, so thanks to you all that suggested this....

Anyone have any suggestions to my next move, hybrid turbo perhaps? which type? anyone had any good results?

RS_Cosworth330

I had my original Turbo completely overhauled by Essex Turbos and was extremely pleased with the results. I emailed them first to see how they operated and they said ring us when it's ready to collect, this I did and they had someone here to pick it up (for free) the next day, it was away for 2 nights before being delivered back to me (for free again) in what can only be described as "as new" condition Honestly I could not believe it was the same unit, it looked brand spanking new!!
At the same time I had them put a 360 degree bearing in it so altogether I had a bill of £499.98 which I thought was very reasonable

THE RADMAN

iTrader: (2)

just make sure you get one with a 360 bearing as the small turbo cant hack increased boost levels and soon wears,my last one was the same,i replaced it with a 360 bearing version [5 yrs ago]and its still going strong as far as i know,the current owner is still well pleased

auralisRS

How much is a 360 bearing approx, thanks, I'll bear that in mind..when I rebuild it.

RS_Cosworth330

If I remember rightly I think it was an extra £90 to have the 360 bearing upgrade

THE RADMAN

iTrader: (2)

paid £600 for mine from woodfords but that was several yrs ago,doesnt seem to be much demand for t28's, i remember trying to sell a brand new unit a couple of yrs back,nobody wanted it at all ended up going to a guy in sweden!