Puff of smoke on startup...

[Rusty]

Noticed recently that the old girl is letting out a puff of grey/blue smoke on startup, which clears after about 15 seconds. Not sure how long it's been going on but I had noticed that a bit of oil was disappearing over 500-1000 miles. It doesn't seem to give out any smoke when running or after idling for a while and doesn't give smoke on the over-run either...

Thanks to JP for his words of wisdom on this one already Thinking was exhaust valve stems / seals or injector spray pattern.

After leaving it overnight, I've shoved a cotton wool bud down the spark plug holes and they came out dry - there wasn't any sign of oil, water or fuel on them, just a bit of soot.

The spark plugs were all the colour that I'd expect them to be.

Next step is to take the downpipe off and have a look to see if it's the turbo oil seal that's leaking.

I'll also check the inlet for oil, although with a 2 tank setup, this would be a surprise.

Any more ideas?

[prj]

Turbo.
99% cases if these cars smoke when you start them from cold and then it clears after a bit, it's turbo leaking oil into hotside.

Your valve stems have to be completely shot to do this from cold, with them it is usually you will notice some smoke at very high revs when flooring it, rather than on startup from my experience.

[Sleeper_Avant]

oil can still be present in the inlet tracts via the turbo mate, same way it goes into the downpipe

Turbo would be my next port of call for checking as you say.

[prj]

Even if there is oil in the intake it usually won't really smoke on startup.
This is because the air velocity is very low on idle. Oil in the intake will cause lots of smoke as the RPM's rise and the flow velocity increases in the intake tract.
Basically if the first time you floor it from when it's been sat for a while there is a ton of smoke in the back, it is likely that the turbo is leaking oil into the intake.

I've BTDT with all 3 cases - Turbo leaking to exhaust, turbo leaking to intake, shot valve stem seals.

[Rusty]

Cheers for the replies. It does sound like the turbo may be to blame. Shame if it is, as it was checked over and was only fitted a year or so back. Might have to get it rebuilt and see if that sorts it.

To hybrid or not to hybrid; that is the question!

[audinut]

hybrid ! had the same fault on my old s2 was the turbo

[Rusty]

D'oh...

I do have the original turbo, so can plonk that on and see if it gets better and then get the RS2 one rebuilt.

Where to get it done?

@prj, what RS2 hybrids do you have software ready for?

[prj]

D'oh...

I do have the original turbo, so can plonk that on and see if it gets better and then get the RS2 one rebuilt.

Where to get it done?

@prj, what RS2 hybrids do you have software ready for?

You don't need ready software when you can just get the thing mapped by me

[Rusty]

It's the bit inbetween fitting and mapping that I was thinking about

Still got a stock 3B clutch, which must be reaching its limit Maybe I should just be sensible... but that's so boring.

Are stock RS2 injectors worth keeping or is there something better for a hybrid?

[prj]

You're building the engine anyway, stop beating around the bush and get a proper size turbo?

[Rusty]

Engine is on the to do list... will be a while before I have the funds.

Could stick on a k26/7 and limit the torque a bit to save the clutch and look after the 170+k bottom end...

lots of ...s tonight

[Rocco]

Turbo

[prj]

Engine is on the to do list... will be a while before I have the funds.

Could stick on a k26/7 and limit the torque a bit to save the clutch and look after the 170+k bottom end...

lots of ...s tonight

Limiting the torque would defeat the purpose. You need to do the clutch...
If your disc is still good just get a SRE plate for ... 200-300 quid and swap that out, and you'll be good.

[Rusty]

Right. Best get saving and just put up with the smoke then. It's not doing it when it's running, so at least it's not embarrassing... although with an 'A' plate on the car, it's more than likely expected

k26/7s were a bit thin on the ground last time I asked
3071 0.82 - does this have to be mapped to limit surge, like the 0.63 and what is the perceived reliability of the ballbearing turbos with the oil restrictor?
Other options?

Any recommendations for places to have the turbo rebuilt?

[Rusty]

Engine rebuild was to address this problem, if it was rings/head, so if it's not, then I'll put money elsewhere for now.