89 830 oil smoke after storage

[blichjr]

Hello all. First winter storage experience with my 89 930. I started up and ran engine every couple weeks during winter for a few min to keep engine lubed. But when I took out for a drive after sitting for 4 weeks or so it let out a massive amount of burning oil smoke after a minute or so - you couldn't see traffic behind you. After a few miles clear as a whistle. Only does this when it sits for some time. If I take for a spin once a week or so it is no problem. Allegedly 31K on the vehicle, but I'd guess more like 60K?? Runs solid other than that. Guessing oil is blowing into the exhaust from a collection point somewhere and burning out when the muffler warms up.

Is this normal? Idea where the oil is leaking past? Turbo bearing? Collecting in cylinders? Oil is squeaky clean.

John

[CountD]

John,

In my experience with these turbos, as I rebuilt a few back in the '90s, as that they are very crude. The bronze bearing that is held in by two black clips (the clips are all that seals it) could be the problem area and is most likely the problem area. I had a KKK that was rebuilt and I put it in only to find the smoke screen you are experiencing - and it was a poorly seated bearing with these clips (which are a PITA if you aren't a professional rebuilder to seat correctly).

You have to keep in mind that like I said these are crude devices compared to modern Turbos and it may in fact need a rebuild at this point. Mileage sometimes has nothing to do with it (probably doesn't at all) - just the luck of the draw, and the fact the shaft might have too much play in it by now as well. I would suspect it is the Turbo so you'll have to take it off and inspect it and send it to a reputable re-builder. At least it won't cost that much...

[ClickClickBoom]

It is a function of a dry sump engine with the oil tank located above the sump. The oil pump is precision machined, but the clearances allow the oil to seek its own level. It fills the crankcase, and the crank and rods, splashes and windage about until the scavenge side clears the the oil back to the tank, where it waits for you to not drive it and then gravity wins.

[blichjr]

Thanks guys. I'll look at a turbo rebuild. I noticed there is a drain plug on the bearing housing (if I am remembering correctly). Wonder if that is there for that reason?

[CountD]

Originally Posted by ClickClickBoom

It is a function of a dry sump engine with the oil tank located above the sump. The oil pump is precision machined, but the clearances allow the oil to seek its own level. It fills the crankcase, and the crank and rods, splashes and windage about until the scavenge side clears the the oil back to the tank, where it waits for you to not drive it and then gravity wins.

Great point. Always a good point, like the above. Check with the easiest, simplest solution first before pulling off the turbo and going there. It may very well be the above. Check this first. You just may have a ton of oil in there just waiting to be burned out.

[ClickClickBoom]

Occam's Razor

[diveroger]

I have the same issue with my '89 Carrera and it's not a turbo. Mechanics say they can't find anything wrong. Guess I just need to drive it more!