ChrisJ951

hey guys. Wanted your input. New engine, 400 miles on it, breaking it in per Lindsey Racing specs. At times there is some smoke out of the exhaust at idle that smells like oil. The turbo is new as well. I checked the oil on Friday and it was near the full mark on the dipstick. I'll check the oil when it cools down. It only does it every so often. I'm just wondering if this is to be expected during a break in?

Thanks,
Chris

Scott H

Are you using one of Lindsey's catch cans?

ChrisJ951

i have a custom catch can my mechanic made.

slap929

If its not a noticeable difference on the dipstick, I wouldn't worry about it. You are still breaking in an engine..

blown 944

Are you still hooked into the pre turbo with your catch can. If not, that's probably why. The turbo gets backed up and leaks out the turbine seal.

ChrisJ951

no idea blown944. My mechanic set everything up. I called into him, but have yet to be called back

Darwantae951

I almost have the same mileage on my new engine and have no smoke out the exhaust. What break-in "proceedure" are you using?

slap929

Would it take that many miles and then some for the piston rings to seat correctly? I am assuming that you break it in by not getting into the revs too much?

ChrisJ951

First 500 miles is no more than 4500 rpm and half throttle.

Darwantae951

Wow, seems a little strict. I'm at ~300 miles and have taken it to 6000 already (not really beating on it hard) and am currently running 7lbs of boost. Vacuum numbers at idle (cold/warm) are great (20 in/hg at idle, and 26+ on decel) with zero oil loss (now that the leaks are fixed), and she's running pretty healthy.

Darwantae951

I should also add that break-in procedures are like opinions, everyone has a different one.

ChrisJ951

Since it was a Lindsey Racing engine, I went with their recommendation for break in oil and proceedure. If something did fail, I wanted to be in their guidelines.

Darwantae951

Very sound logic. Good luck with it! Plan on dynoing it or just enjoying it?

Chris White

Do a search on smoking turbos – its been covered as recently as 15 minutes ago!

On the good side – its not damaging anything
One the bad side – its not going to go away until you ditch the catch can – and your shop should have been aware of this issue .

ChrisJ951

Chris, Thanks for your input. So you are suggesting I have my mechanic remove the crankcase beather that he made?