Re: URQ- blue smoke

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

In message <199809062005.NAA10478@m4.sprynet.com> rdg51@sprynet.com writes:

> MY 83 URQ has been smoking-alot- not on, but just after, start up - billows of
> blue smoke. It take about five minutes to go away. First noted rarely about a
> year ago, then occasionally, now constantly. The car has just had new valve
> guides (and lifters) done for excessive oil use, which has resolved that
> problem, but the smoke problem has gotten worse since then(still without
> detectable oil consumption). From what I know this would fit the description of
> a turbo oil seal failure. Is there anyway to know for sure?

MC engine in an ur-quattro?  Home-made MB?  Fun.

What sort of MC engine - one or two oil filters?

On most cars that I've seen with the problem, oil draining down from
the head galleries into the compressor side of the turbo is a major
symptom of failed seals - but this only happens if the oil filter(s)
have anti-drainback valves.  The usual sign of a failing turbo oil
seal is a _HUGE_ belt of smoke at startup and not very much at other
times.  A year is a _very_ long time for a turbo with failing seals
to survive.  I usually think more in terms of: "Will the guy get home
today?"

To be honest - I'd be more inclined to suspect the piston rings.  A
leakdown test and a finger in the turbo compressor outlet after it's
stood all night would tell you.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
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