With this assumption in mind, what are the steps to predict this type of failure? I'm guessing compression check as a starter. what else?

 

Good luck Richard. Hope it's nothing serious.

 

Thanks!

Sean,
The place where I'm going to be working on the car isn't really somewhere I can take people.

I'll keep you posted though! If I get too mental - rules be damned I'll give you a holler!

Mitch,
Got the compression tester out last night.

Richie,
Thanks! *crosses fingers*
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Turbo is out of the car.

1. Intercooler = clean
2. PCV Hoses = clean
3. Intake = clean
4. Uppipe = clean
5. Turbocharger inlet/compressor = clean
6. Turbocharger outlet/turbine/downpipe = oily (not a puddle of oil, but there is a"sheen" to it like I had sprayed wd40 in there and a white rag comes back oily if run in the bore of the downpipe.

So it looks like the turbo seal. *phew*

I'm hoping that means the pistons/rings are okay in the motor. I'm assuming that if it was excessive blow-by causing the smoke in the exhaust - that the intake/turbine/pcv/intercooler etc. would be filled with oil - that's not the case.

I'm still confused as to how the seal gave out though?

I was hoping to find the oil drain line kinked/bent/crushed so that I could just rectify that and the turbo would be back in shape - but it appears that nothing is wrong with the drain.

I guess the next step is to put the stock turbo back on and see if it still smokes.

If so - there's something wrong with the oil getting out of the turbo.

If it doesn't leak - then there was something wrong with the VF30.

Mixed emotions.

Richard...
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Good that its only the turbo. Check the plugs to make sure they are not fouled. If its the engine they will look like your turbo exhaust. Did you properly break in the turbo? Some say not necessary others say a couple hundred miles. Kinda like the engine when you first buy the car. Well hate to play couch quarterback but I hope everything works out soon.

Jayson

 

Jayson,

Thanks for the support/suggestions!

I'm going to put the stock turbo back in and run the car. If the smoke is gone - I know it was just the turbo.

If I put the stock turbo in and I still got smoke (after running the car to clean it out of course) then I'll pull some plugs/break out the compression tester and get to crankin'.

I'm still bummed about the turbo though. I'm going to have to box it up, send it to Alex - inconvenience him to try and get a rebuild/exchange/etc... *sigh*. I hate being a burden on anyone.

Aloooooooooooooha!
Richard...
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Richard,

I know I don't have to tell you, but I know you won't run her hard. The new unichip map you have is coded for the VF30.

Just being a ninny.

Pat

 

Pat,

Your advice is welcomed!

Everybody,
Thanks for putting up with the constant *****ing and updates...

Here's the final update.

1. Stock turbo is back in car.
2. Exhaust is smoke-less.
3. w00t!

Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to do to get another VF30.
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Hmmm... where did you get it from. I know it was Alex's Group Buy, but did that come through a separate vendor, or from IHI? No real words of wisdom, just kind of curious. Vendor should be able to RMA it, IHI might have a warranty. (no clue about the warranty, but it sounds logical)

my $0.02 worth
-Greg

 

Thanks Greg!

I have a PM in to Alex - I'm eagerly awaiting his reply.

Mahalo!
Richard...
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Sigh. Anybody know which part failed on my VF30?
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it'd probably have to be disassembled to find out exactly what didn't seal.

Isn't Alex going to warranty it or replace it!!???????? You just got it!!

 

Just wanted to throw this in,

When you do get it back, maybe you should change the oil the day before you RE-install the turbo. Also, see what kind of oil you should be running with that turbo. Alex mentioned that the oil could be too thin. I don't know what you are running, but if it's 5W30, maybe 10W30 would be better. You should also look into synthetic vs conventional. They say you should never use synthetic when you're breaking in a motor (or cams). It could be the same for turbos too.

Just a few ideas that might help.

 

Sean,
I don't know yet. I don't want to bother Alex on his cell. (I'd hate to be a pest ) so I've got a few PM's in to him that I'm waiting for a response on.

Dom,
Thanks for the thoughts! I'm running 10w30 Royal Purple. I'll get my oil change stuff ready before installing a new turbo. Good lookin' out.
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hey Richard, I wouldn't worry about being a pest. That's part of customer service, you should know that b/c you're in the business! You've got a product that needs 'attention', so give him a holler!