2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Turbo or coolant seal?

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Old May 19, 2004 | 12:35 AM
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Turbo or coolant seal?

Im really considering buying Slickrx-7's 1987 TII charcol with red interior.

He is selling it because it started to smoke white one day. It only happens after boost- but starts and runs just fine. Idle is even good.

Im going to see the car this weekend, and mabey even run a coolant seal check.

He thinks its the turbo, but Im worried it might be a coolant seal.

Last edited by The Spyder; May 19, 2004 at 12:38 AM.
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Old May 19, 2004 | 12:53 AM
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Probably not the turbo... Turbo smoke is generally blue. Try checking the intake.. If its REALLY slick with oil, then I would then suspect the turbo.
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Old May 19, 2004 | 12:59 AM
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Thats what im worried about. Darn it.

How do I check the intake?
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Old May 19, 2004 | 01:19 AM
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More and more I read about coolant seals going out, it seams it could definily be it, or the turbo.
From what I gather.
1. I should test the system by filling up everything, leaving the top fill cap open, start the car, and watch for bubbles and excessive amounts of coolant.
2. Start, run the car, drive it until it smokes, see if its sweet smelling or a vapor cloud of steam.
3. Check for the smell of exhaust/gas after driving in the coolant.
4. Watch the car starting, see if there is any sweet smell from the exhaust, or any smoke. (He says theres none)- Check on how easy it is to start.
5. Pressure check the coolant system at a radiator shop and see what they say.

I would really like this car.... But only if its the turbo causing the smoke. Im not sure how the turbo would cause the white smoke.... mabey just a really small amount of oil being burned when its really hot after boost??
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Old May 19, 2004 | 01:22 AM
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Originally posted by The Spyder
1. I should test the system by filling up everything, leaving the top fill cap open, start the car, and watch for bubbles and excessive amounts of coolant.
Make sure you pull the EGI and ENG fuses...
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Old May 19, 2004 | 06:38 AM
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Coolant seal leak symptoms:
Hard to start,
catches & sputters,
blows white smoke,
then clears up & runs OK.

Your description sounds different.
Pull the TID & check for any end play in the turbo shaft.
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Old May 19, 2004 | 02:53 PM
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Im going to try and test all this stuff when I see the car....

The whole situation seems funny.
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Old May 22, 2004 | 01:08 AM
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Ok.
The car starts up just fine. No problems. Idles great. No exhaust smell. No coolant bubbles. No gas/ehaust smell in the colant. The smoke is not sweet either.

Only happens after boosting.
Whats up here??
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Old May 22, 2004 | 01:33 AM
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Did you check for oil in the intake tract after the compressor ?

James
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Old May 22, 2004 | 01:45 AM
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I will have him do that! Thanks for reminding me!

Does anyone have a diagram of how the turbo setup works? Im lost .
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