Hi all,

I recently purchased a VRS Octy 1 estate with 100k on the clock, previous owner mentioned smoke out of the exhaust when the turbo kicks in at about 3,000 revs.

Sounds like blown oil seals?

What do you think?

Obviously won't know for definate until i remove turbo, but i'm hoping to repair it with a rebuild kit.

Has anyone had the same problem?

Has anyone rebuilt there own turbo?

Is there any thread relating to this?

Thanks in advance

Edited 7 November, 201114 yr by nothills

I wouldn't rebuild it as a DIY job. You need to get it done somewhere with a proper turbine balancing machine (balances to approx 250,000 RPM). If you get it slightly off balance, it could at best wear the seals ou again, or at worst, explode and send bits of turbo into your engine.

Not meaning to sound negative or anything, and no doubt people will be on here telling you it'll be fine, but I wouldn't risk it TBH.

If it isn't the turbo seals, it could be the valve guides which are leaking. You can test them by going down a long hill in a high gear to get a good vacuum, and then boot it. The vacuum should suck oil down the valve guides and it will then be burnt when you give it some gas.

rebuilds kits are crap as to do it properly you need to get it re balaced etc etc

bets bet is to buy a new turbo as chances are the oem one you have the casing is prob crack thus they wont rebuild it!!!

why buy car knowing it smoked?? as it could also be the oil stem seals

either way not cheap !!!

Could it be the valve stem seals though?

It was explained to me by the previous owner whom i'm still in contact with, that he was driving down the M1 at about 70mph and suddenly he noticed smoke out of the exhaust.

He said that it doesn't smoke at all only after 3000 revs when the Turbo kicks in.

Reason I bought it was to repair it as it seemed cheap!! and I need an estate car.

**** Hope i haven't bought a pup!

Oh also what oil should I be using, can't find what it should use in the owners manual

Hi all,

I recently purchased a VRS Octy 1 estate with 100k on the clock, previous owner mentioned smoke out of the exhaust when the turbo kicks in at about 3,000 revs.

Sounds like blown oil seals?

What do you think?

For info; provided the turbo oil drain pipe is free from blockages/restrictions, the turbo shaft seals will not pass oil when the turbo is making boost (or as you put it "when the turbo kicks in").

The reason for this is when the turbo is making boost the bearing/seal housing is under pressure from both sides ie; the compressor side and the exhaust turbine side, and during such conditions the main function of the shaft seals is to prevent pressurized intake air and pressurized exhaust gases from entering the bearing housing.

However, the turbo shaft seals can and do leak/pass oil, but this is when the oil pressure is greater than the compressor and turbine housing pressure, such as in closed throttle situations.

Befor you condem the turbo shaft seals as the source of the smoke, check the emissions system and PCV valve, chances are at 100K its chocked up with carbon etc.

PS. at work I've rebuilt a number of Holset turbo's but not for a very long time (prob 25 years since I did the last one), and would agree with what the others have said about not doing it yourself. All it takes is one tiny scratch in the bushing or a tiny imbalance along the shaft and the turbo will self destruct in seconds.

Bill.

Related question - What colour is the smoke?

Black smoke could indicate over-fuelling (yes even on a petrol; I've seen Lancer Evos black smoking).

Blue probably indicates light oil use; suspect valve guide seals, particularly when rolling back on power after time on over-run.

White indicates early head gasket failure (light amounts) or FUBAR turbo (James Bond smokescreen amounts).

Thanks for the info,

it looks like I'll be checking out a few things this weekend after the comments made, fingers crossed its nothing to major.

I've emailed a few turbo companies tonight to get some quotes, Midland Turbo's at Nottingham are only a few miles away, i'll wait to see what they say.

These Turbo's give me the ebee geebees had trouble with them in the past on other cars.

Thanks again i'll keep you all posted

Trevor

Edited 8 November, 201114 yr by nothills

If you find its the turbo seals and bearings....

The turbo was balanced when it was new if it goes back in the same place then its still balanced. Just mark the shaft up properly fit the kit and all will be good. Ive done loads of these over the last 20 years and they have never given any trouble unless the housing itself is worn and the new bearings are a sloppy fit.

Turbo specialists like to scare you in to paying big bucks.

This is my opinion and experience. (25 years in the car trade).

Edited 9 November, 201114 yr by joeboy

If you find its the turbo seals and bearings....

The turbo was balanced when it was new if it goes back in the same place then its still balanced. Just mark the shaft up properly fit the kit and all will be good. Ive done loads of these over the last 20 years and they have never given any trouble unless the housing itself is worn and the new bearings are a sloppy fit.

Turbo specialists like to scare you in to paying big bucks.

This is my opinion and experience. (25 years in the car trade).

Thanks for that, you've made me feel alot happier. I'm not going to rush the rebuild so caution, precision and cleanliness will be the order of the day.......

Had a few quotes back today from Turbo specialists and as you say they like to put the fear of God up you and they talk in telephone numbers for prices!!