Oil smoke issue

rustfarmer

New Member
Jul 20, 2009
127
0
0
Centerville, TN
So my fresh engine had a few issues at first (too much boost because of wastegate linkage hitting IC pipe) but now runs strong, except that at about 500 miles it began smoking when backing of to a stop. Large cloud comes up and surrounds car. 7M GTE with minor mods--big intercooler, 3 inch driftmotion exhaust and down pipe, driftmotion modified oil pump, all new internals, and no smoke when first running 300 miles or so. Having someone follow me they say anytime I back off the throttle it smokes. About to change the oil so I will look for oil dilution, but AF gauge looks ok, so I'm thinking turbo seal? All ideas and diagnostic tricks most welcome.
 

rustfarmer

New Member
Jul 20, 2009
127
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0
Centerville, TN
I see many have looked at this post but no replies. I was very careful setting up valves (using big block chevy inner springs) and hand installed each valve seal. All pistons went in smoothly and ring gaps were aligned by the book. All new machine work and fitment dead on. Is it possible rings just have not seated yet? Did my usual breakin procedure after finding the boost issue and did not see any smoke thereafter until about the 500 miles mark. Any ideas most welcome.
 

suprarx7nut

YotaMD.com author
Nov 10, 2006
3,811
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38
Arizona
www.supramania.com
Sounds like valve stem seals, but that would be odd if you just replaced them. I'd do a compression test or a leak-down test if you have the equipment.

I've never had noticeable smoke after the initial start up of a rebuild on a 7M. How old is the turbo?
 

rustfarmer

New Member
Jul 20, 2009
127
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0
Centerville, TN
The turbo is original, but was rebuilt by a shop in Nashville called Auto Turbo. We have had some reports since they did the rebuild of some others being unhappy with their work, but the turbo had not been an issue prior to the engine overhaul. Is it possible the stuck wastegate linkage that was causing excess boost when first run may have damaged the turbo oil seal? We never let the boost get above 12psi. I will do a comp test and see if I can borrow a leak down tester. Thanks for your response. More soon.
 

Cp2295

Member
Aug 8, 2016
42
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6
Camas wa
Sounds like valve issue to me too, seals or guides. Or even the stem, one might have had a nick on it and could have cut the seal.. Would be hard to believe though but a possibility


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rustfarmer

New Member
Jul 20, 2009
127
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0
Centerville, TN
I personally built the head after having it done wrong the last time. I was quite careful about the seals so don't think that could be it, plus my experience is bad seals will show smoke when first fired up. Smoke only shows when snapping throttle shut and pulling up to a stop. Really still think it could be a PCV issue as this car has no PCV valve so max vacuum occurs at closed throttle. We have installed a catch can and tried several test ways of blocking off the system but no fix. No smoke upon accel or just cruising as far as we can tell. Still only have about 1000 miles on fresh rebuild.

Thank you for your response Cp2295. All ideas most appreciated. Anyone using a PCV valve in this system? What type? Adjustable?