Help with Car blowing smoke! - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Baggy · 07-22-2015, 09:10 AM

Black top S13 SR20det stock internals and Metal headgasket

It lets out a little white/grey smoke out of the exhaust during idle not a ton but a little and puffs out more when starting the car up on a cold start. The car then doesnt smoke as much when driving at warmer temps. It then will only start smoking again when pushing the car hard and blows out smoke again only during shifts or releasing gas after boosting.

First we thought it was the turbo, and because I had a brand new tomei turbo sitting in box, we swapped it out for it along with new tomei exhaust mani, tomei turbo elbow, New testpipe, new downpipe, and tanabe exhaust. Car was still smoking..

I had my head done (Tomei cams, retainers, valve springs.. etc..) new valve stems and valve cover gasket.

Car was tuned each time we changed something out with Power FC djetro. Car runs strong. Did a leakdown test, and compression test and the numbers were solid across the board and even. So we assume it cant be the rings.

At this point the smoking has improved to not as much as before, but still smokes. Can anyone with experience point me in the right direction of what might be the issue? or is this normal?

The tune is solid, A/F is solid 12 across the power band, smooth and strong pull when turbo is at full boost and i have had no issues with the car since purchasing it from previous owner in Mid 2014.

its not super frustrating as lately i tend to just ignore it, but I am curious to know what could be causing it?

My previous Sr20det powered cars that were also stock with just bolt ons similar to this one, never smoked like this, only when under max load.

Any insight is much appreciated!

***FaLKoN240*** · 07-22-2015, 10:26 AM

I'm having the same issue and on the cusp of changing my turbo... I have a KA-T so I'm curious to see what others say as well.

Kingtal0n · 07-23-2015, 01:12 PM

a few suggestions,

1. valve seals installed wrong
2. restricter fitting at turbo is wrong size
3. pcv/vacuum failure is sucking oil from crank case
4. oil drain for turbo is wrong/blocked

You need to find out what the smoke is (is it oil?) and see if any is inside the combustion chamber (do the plugs get oil on them. Do the top of the pistons look oily. Is the exhaust manifold / outlet coated in soot from burning oil before the turbo - or do you see it after the turbo). Or do you find it in the intake/intercooler/pre-turbo.

07-22-2015, 09:10 AM	#1
Baggy Zilvia Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Desert to the Sea Posts: 162 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Help with Car blowing smoke! Black top S13 SR20det stock internals and Metal headgasket It lets out a little white/grey smoke out of the exhaust during idle not a ton but a little and puffs out more when starting the car up on a cold start. The car then doesnt smoke as much when driving at warmer temps. It then will only start smoking again when pushing the car hard and blows out smoke again only during shifts or releasing gas after boosting. First we thought it was the turbo, and because I had a brand new tomei turbo sitting in box, we swapped it out for it along with new tomei exhaust mani, tomei turbo elbow, New testpipe, new downpipe, and tanabe exhaust. Car was still smoking.. I had my head done (Tomei cams, retainers, valve springs.. etc..) new valve stems and valve cover gasket. Car was tuned each time we changed something out with Power FC djetro. Car runs strong. Did a leakdown test, and compression test and the numbers were solid across the board and even. So we assume it cant be the rings. At this point the smoking has improved to not as much as before, but still smokes. Can anyone with experience point me in the right direction of what might be the issue? or is this normal? The tune is solid, A/F is solid 12 across the power band, smooth and strong pull when turbo is at full boost and i have had no issues with the car since purchasing it from previous owner in Mid 2014. its not super frustrating as lately i tend to just ignore it, but I am curious to know what could be causing it? My previous Sr20det powered cars that were also stock with just bolt ons similar to this one, never smoked like this, only when under max load. Any insight is much appreciated! __________________ 97' 240sx = Much Excite!

07-22-2015, 10:26 AM	#2
*FaLKoN240* Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 16,760 Trader Rating: (73) Feedback Score: 73 reviews	I'm having the same issue and on the cusp of changing my turbo... I have a KA-T so I'm curious to see what others say as well. __________________ Best way to do business with me? Make your best offer FIRST.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

07-23-2015, 01:12 PM	#3
Kingtal0n Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: South Florida Age: 38 Posts: 4,646 Trader Rating: (17) Feedback Score: 17 reviews	a few suggestions, 1. valve seals installed wrong 2. restricter fitting at turbo is wrong size 3. pcv/vacuum failure is sucking oil from crank case 4. oil drain for turbo is wrong/blocked You need to find out what the smoke is (is it oil?) and see if any is inside the combustion chamber (do the plugs get oil on them. Do the top of the pistons look oily. Is the exhaust manifold / outlet coated in soot from burning oil before the turbo - or do you see it after the turbo). Or do you find it in the intake/intercooler/pre-turbo.