VSS issues

[shaz2010]

Ok so when I removed the cats to go bpu I started slowly noticing smoke on start up just a little bit for about 10 secs then it would stop (VSS). Then after running it with no problems for a good year I started losing oil a bit and when it came to do a change on the plugs there was oil on the no6 plug at the back. I needed the car at the time and couldn't wait for cam cover seals to be ordered and for the car to be off the road, So just changed the plugs.

Then is started seeing puffs of smoke not just on start up but when I would stop at traffic lights (still in gear or neutral) and pull away it would smoke a little, but never on full boost! So this continued and I started getting p*ssed off with it. So a service was due last month so I ordered some cam cover seals as I was going to do the plugs again. Well it's been about 4 weeks and I'm baffled only a tiny bit of smoke on start up now and no more puffs of smoke when pilling away from the lights or in traffic......

 

I thought after reading a lot of posts that my turbo seals may have been on the way out but now I'm not to sure. Is there anyway the cam cover seal replacement has solved this??? I have been looking out the interior mirror waiting to see smoke when I'm pulling away and NOTHING.. I know my VSS are shot and will try and get them done next year. But I'm lost on why it has stopped.

 

Cheers lads & lasses..

[shaz2010]

Any ideas?

[Chris Wilson]

Removing exhaust back pressure highlights any turbo oil seal deficiencies. 3 options. Put the cats back and creat back pressure, accept a bit of oil usage and smoke, renew the turbos. Might as well do valve stem seals at the same time. If you are thinking of getting your turbos rebuilt it's almost guaranteed the front one has a cracked 2wastegate" port, rendering the casting suspect for rebuilding. I only recommend new ones.