So, is my turbo goosed???
Turbo Mini Forums

ok.
New engine. Same spec as last year.

Same turbo as last year. Engine was a smoky mess when pulled out last year - given the amount of fumes from the breathers, this was suspected as being goosed rings. Now not so sure.

Any minute now Jimster will edit my post to include links to three vids and one pic.
Pic: Engine running - no intercooler pipes fitted. 60psi oil pressure.
Video of tailpipe showing smoke at tickover - it gets worse as you rev it.
Engine turned off, and the next stage happens within 60 seconds of shutdown.
Second & third vid: Plugs pulled out of #3 & #4 (easiest to get to). Mini put in gear and rocked along till exhaust valve opens in cyl 4 and smoke pours out. Next, it's rocked along a little more, and smoke stops from #4 as exhaust valve shuts and then comes from cyl #3 as it's exhaust valve opens...

Other prob is that my lambda readout has been all over the place - swinging from rich to lean as quick as you can say it.

So. Here's my theory.
The 'piston ring' style seal on the turbine end of the shaft (exhaust housing end) has given up totally. Oil is pouring out and being 'burnt' in the hot exhaust when running. This has fouled up my lambda which has resulted in it giving silly readings, despite the plugs show signs of running normally.
When shut down, oil left in the core and oil feed pipe in the hot turbo is being burnt away, and the smoke is travelling up the exhaust manifold and coming out of whichever ports it can find its way out of (ie those with open ex. valves.)

Finally, the turbo spins VERY freely - almost like it's ballraced, and doesn't seem to have too much play really - i've felt worse that have been 'oil tight'. The engine breathers are tight, with no fumes or oil coming from them. The pistons are still shiny (when viewed through the plug hole) and the plugs also look 'normal - maybe ever so slightly rich....

So, what do you guys think with the evidence laid before you. Is the exhaust 'seal' gulity as accused, or am i living in a silly dream world?

Off to play with Goblins....
D

Edited by Jimster on 7th Apr, 2004.

The vid certainly makes it look that way

9 valves, 4 wheel drive, 3 cylinders, 1 turbo, which got nicked

That doesnt look good, not proving much for the old turbo reliability is it?! lol!

Thats a real shame, take it you wont be bringing the car friday? Was looking forward to seeing it again in the flesh.

Hi Dave,
Yes, sounds like the turbo seal is gone! When burning oil usually the lambda meter shows an overly rich condition!
H

Bimmer Twinky headed and turboed A-Series:
http://www.minifreunde.at/harry/projects.htm

Now thats weird!

Only seen that on totally fucked non-boosting turbos!

Do you want to borrow another turbo to try out?

Alex

AlexF

does sound like you turbo BUT i had a very similar problem but i could get my smoke to clear sometimes untill you gave it a good high rev then it would bellow smoke out on tickover and even worse when you reved it (it did smoke rings at the tailpipe once - honest) i was convinced it was turbo, put new seals in and was the same it turned out a fault on the head not sure exactly what it was because i bought a reconned one if youve got any spare heads lying around might be worth a try just to see

p.s ive got a good 1275 n/a head you could lend if you wanted just to see

no longer a series, but still 1.3 turbo.

Fooked guides would defo foul the plugs .. as mine are doing. but if you have forged pistons (like me) they stay shiny if your only burning a we bit of oil.

IF it smokes after startup , like a few seconds after oil pressure is up it prob aint the turbo, as it wont be hot enough to burn oil at that point..

You could (simply) test by popping on a normal exhaust.. would rule out the turbo pretty quick, mayb even leave the oil pipes connected and see if oil drips out it. sure someone has a manifold lying around somewhere.. even if you dont use the exhaust

Im trying to sort a smoke issue too, its driveing me daft :(

turbo 16v k-series 11.9@118.9 :)

Denis O'Brien.

Dave my offer's still stand mate

Team Racing

you got this back together yet mate?

Team Racing

Bet he's still in bed! lol! he kept moaning how tired he was yesterday!

Check out the pics of him trying to hide under jon's car for a sleep!

Edited by iain on 10th Apr, 2004.

lmao

i liked turbo daves axle stand very eco friendly

no longer a series, but still 1.3 turbo.

complately agree with a gone turbine oil seal, easy to change;
the good point it that the turbo seem ok,
it's time to rebuild it.
fab

What was the problem and what was the cure?
mine smokes at tickover only, it may be a coincedence but noteced after an oil change when i filled with 5/40
The car has only done 300 miles since a rebore and a diy turbo rebuild but the turbo still had a we bit of play I have a spare turbo that I have rebuilt the play on it is near identical but its a lot of work to change.I have reduced the oil presure to 50psi max.
any help?

Edited by AllanMcD on 23rd Dec, 2004.

http://www.rabdunn.co.uk/

change the oil to 20/50. 5/40 is too thin

only 2 places oil can come from, as you say when you rocked engine exhaust valve open. oil can only come from valve guide, or as you say ring seal on turbo, 2 questions dave, is there oil in intercooler, oil return from turbo free of blockages

guys look at the posting date

07/04/2004 19:43:41

He's sussed it by now (well I guess he has!)

alex

AlexF

ho.ho.ho.ho.ho.ho.ho.ho.ho.ho. merry xmas, need another beer

The turbo was VERY shot...

Merry xmas.

Thanks
Merry christmas

http://www.rabdunn.co.uk/

but alex, check out what allan McD wanted to know...

he had a similar problem and wanted some answers