944obscene

I'm not going to post my assumptions. I'm just going to list the evidence, so far. My car uses about a quart to a quart and and a half every 2 weeks or so. This doesn't seem to be detrimental to the motor's ability to create power. The car is still FAST, for an '87 that doesn't have any apparent modifications. However, I might add that the cat is possibly blown out. Maybe from the oil leak burning the matrix away.

I noticed the oil leak about a week after purchasing the car. Because my OMG light came on and taddled for me. I naturally freaked out, only to find the oil to be about a quart-or-so low. Filled it back up and looked under the car for leaks. Nothing... Been tracking this for about a month now. I can still drive it just fine. I just need extra oil on me. I decided to look around one day and found that the intake side of my block has oil on it.

The car smokes (I'm told) a bit when I get on it. I notice NO power loss. In fact. This thing has surprised everyone including me. You think I need to remove the intake mani, and look at the turbo? It looks like the only evidence of a leak is that of the smoke in my exhaust (debatable) and the side of my block.

The reason I wouldn't think the exhaust smoke is oil related, is because The smoke isn't blue. Its black. And usually only thick when I shift and the motor POPS really loud. This translates into an 8 inch flame at night.

jlturpin

Oil could be from the Cam tower, if it is under the intake manifold. Could also be from the upper balance shaft, rear o-ring seal, Could also be the AOS top elbow or o-ring. Do you have any oil making it to the ground? If so, where is it coming from?

When you come to get your bumper cover, I'll be glad to look at it for you. Also, you might get to see the CPR Splitter if it is here then.

Jonathan

944obscene

Sweet. Like I thought. About a billion possibilities. I will probably take off the manifold to see whats really going on under there. There is no oil on the ground. Just on the block. Doesn't look bad, but that doesn't mean I'm seeing much. Just what's visible between the runners.


P.S. should be sending the money your way tomorrow. If I cannot in fact pick the bumper up, I will pay for shipping. I want to make it out there though! I need to see that splitter! (if you have it then)

944obscene

Okay, that's a negative on the cam tower. Double checked it before heading out this morning. I didn't remember seeing any oil there before, but I wanted to make sure. If I were to assume the leak's source, I'd bet on the head. But I'll have to look with a flash light later. Like I said, I only see oil underneath the intake manifold so far. Nothing on the ground.

Mike Lindsey

Let me guess. Your running Mobil 1?

944obscene

I'm refilling with it. Going to use Tom's stuff here soon.

333pg333

Don't use M1. Sounds like you're running very rich too.

lee101315

I am too, what do you recommend?

944obscene

I intend not to use Mobil. I'm not throwing in expensive oil, at a quart every 2 weeks though. I'm driving my daily car at the moment so the 951 isn't even on the road. I'm well aware of the issues surrounding Mobil and conventional oils. Sulfer content etc.

Mike Lindsey

In our opinion, anyone running Mobil 1 should drain it from their engine and dispose of it. The oil we really like is Joe Gibbs Racing Oil. Go to their web site and get an education on oil. Aside from that, you could run something we feel is next best and available is 20w-50 Valvoline VR1. Add 1-1/2 bottles of ZDDP Plus, we happen to sell it, and your valve train should be much happier.

Aside from that fact that you should be concerned about your valve train, your issue is the Mobil 1 oil is not separating from the air in the block all being whipped up and your sucking it into intake system all the time the car is running. It can puddle in places and when you mash the throttle, you get a smoke plume.

SKI for example, told us he cut his oil consumption by about 16 fold when doing that. Mobil 1 to VR1 with no other changes.

ausgeflippt951

These cars do consume oil. My guess is that your turbo is old and tired. It's also a fact that your charge pipes will also have a bit of oily residue. Especially if you track your car regularly, you'll be seeing a significant increase in oil consumption. That said, a quart every two weeks is excessive. In normal driving (my car is my DD) I'll see around 1/2 quart every month.


But yes -- do not use Mobil 1. I've been running the VR1 and the car absolutely loves it. It's also half as expensive.

Euro951

Also CMW racing oil... My autox miata hated mobil 1/ valvetrain would become really noisey during hot autocross events. Filled with racing oil with ZDDP and lifters quieted and my oil pressure stayed consistent for a longer period of time.

rlm328

I am a user of VR-1 and the car likes it very much. As for track use I will usually use about 1/2 qt. I have not tried the ZDDP put it is now on my list.

Tedro951

Just to save you some future troubleshooting, if you're adding 1.5 quarts every 2 weeks and there arent any leaks making it to the ground, you can stop looking for leaks. The cam housing will diagnose itself by smelling/smoking like hell, or catch fire and burn your car down.

+1 on the oil....it helped mine

ausgeflippt951

Check your turbo shaft play. If it's out of spec, let me know -- I've got a K26/6 in great shape. My last car sipped oil like an English Tea Party sips tea.