Smokin BH5 - In a bad way!

[smoothsubie]

Hey all,

So I took the BH5 for a burn today as I wanted to see how she was going before I buy another car. Unfortunately, I ended up coming back with a couple problems. Bear with me as I try to explain, I am certainly no expert when it comes to turbo mechanics...

By the end of the drive (only 10 mins or so, but reasonably spirited driving) I had a bit of smoke coming from around the primary turbo region (pax side). On closer inspection, I could see a bit of oil just below the gold wastegate/actuator thing. The smoke seemed to be coming up from between there and the turbo shroud, but it wasn't the oil itself that was burning, it was from further down. I don't really know what this could be? The turbo seems to run fine, although of note it would get to ~12psi on primary and then on secondary ~15psi at around 5.5-6k then drop to 12ish until redline (Boost gauge is fed from the Manifold-BOV line). A few weeks ago I got the rocker covers replaced due to starting to smell them, and also a mechanics recommendation. I now feel like this may have been in vain, as it could be the turbo making that smell?? I took a photo of the spot but wont let me upload as its too big. Ill try make it smaller!

Another unusual thing I noticed was a bit of a flutter or rapid clicking as i went through 3-3.5k, but only for a couple of hundred revs. It did this in all gears (except 5th, didn't get to test that haha ). What're your guys thoughts on this?

I'm at a bit of a loss here, I am just on the verge of buying a new car but don't want the BH to break at the same time! Any ideas?

Edited June 11, 2014 by smoothsubie

[Rosssub]

The gasket job might be leaking, or your primary turbo (passengers) is dying. Is it smoking out the exhaust?

[smoothsubie]

Doesnt seem to be smoking out the exhaust. I'll have another look when I get the chance to drive it in daylight but AFAIK its not smoking - at least not any more than running a touch rich. And thanks ill edit to say primary

[gotasuby]

rocker cover leaking?

[Rosssub]

If the turbo chatter is new and the boost is dropping off all of a sudden it could be the turbo. But with a recent rocker gasket change, try giving the engine a good clean off and see if any things leaking.

[smoothsubie]

Its had the chatter for a while now but thought it could be related. The rocker covers are genuine ones and had all new studs in there as well so should be pretty good. havent had the boost gauge hooked up in ages and just decided to do so today. Before then I had never paid much attention to the boost so wouldnt have noticed the drop. Is that unusual for a drop off like that?

[Rosssub]

The drop off could be a tiring turbo, small boost leak, or just a vac solenoid that needs cleaning out (bbod or primary boost solenoid).

[smoothsubie]

hmm. the ever faithful seat-dyno feels as though its still pulling as good as ever. Maybe need to just give her a good clean up and then drive her and see if i can find the leak

[94 Leone]

Check for oil leaks, potentially damaged oil return dropping oil onto up pipe.

[smoothsubie]

Soo on closer inspection the intercooler piping leading to primary turbo looked to be leaking. The hose clamp was poked so I took off the tmic, degreased the bay a bit and cleaned it all up before putting it back together with my new hose clamp. Hopefully this will fix the issue, but I'm yet to take it for a drive (must have something to do with me being addicted to my BL :) )