Fixing "white smoke" problem (not in warranty) - in Melb

[LILZLR]

Maybe try a thicker oil, true 10w 40 ?

[SomePhoenix]

Would you have an oil recommendation?

[SomePhoenix]

I've found a place that I believe can do the turbo rebuild to fix my problem. I just want to be sure that it will... Guess I'll be contacting the dealership Monday for a quote and details of what is actually done and how that fixes the problem.

About ATP Advanced Turbo Performance in Melbourne Australia

I pass them every day on my way to work and didn't click.

[Bakis]

I just got my MPS about a month ago with the white smoke problem is it at idle all the time?

Cause i got 3 month warranty from Mazda (Used Car) and i've noticed a little white smoke on start up idle when it's revving at like 1800rpm. I know cars smoke a little when cold but is this normal?

Cheers
James

[kagerou]

I just got my MPS about a month ago with the white smoke problem is it at idle all the time?

Cause i got 3 month warranty from Mazda (Used Car) and i've noticed a little white smoke on start up idle when it's revving at like 1800rpm. I know cars smoke a little when cold but is this normal?

Cheers
James

what you have is normal
its just condensation in the exhaust, especially since the 1800rpm idle suggests that its a cold start

the smoking issue that people are getting is from idling when the car has reached operating temperature, and results in white smoke with a tinge of blue, that smells like burning plastic

---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 PM ----------

I've found a place that I believe can do the turbo rebuild to fix my problem. I just want to be sure that it will... Guess I'll be contacting the dealership Monday for a quote and details of what is actually done and how that fixes the problem.

About ATP Advanced Turbo Performance in Melbourne Australia

I pass them every day on my way to work and didn't click.

all they really do it replace the turbo to a revised model which they claim wont have the burning oil issue

when i got the turbo replaced, all they did was replace the part

all existing hoses and clamps were retained, with the studs reused and most likely they didnt change the gaskets either

i know they removed the o2 sensors (because i had the wires zip tied so they wont rub on the aftermarket downpipe, but when i got the car back they werent), probably for an inspection, but thats about it

the only way to permanently fix it is to get a rebuild of current turbo with different internals because it is the bearing type that appears to be issue

otherwise, just get it rebuilt to factory specs and hi flowed, and see what the builder can do in terms of making the seals more reliable

[SomePhoenix]

Does anyone know what the stock turbo is (model, specs, size etc?). Need that information, or remove the turbo, for people to take a look and be able to discuss work.

---------- Post added at 06:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:13 PM ----------

Not sure how many of you are still reading this, but I could use your help!

Consumer Affairs believe that I may have a case to have Mazda perform the repairs, and I would like to get some evidence to support my claims. What I'm looking for is details of when people had their turbochargers replaced by Mazda. If you could please provide me with details such as:

- Car year/model/1st owner/purchase date (can be rough)
- Service history (full log book, full Mazda, other)
- KM when the problem became apparent
- Problems experienced (white smoke on prolonged idle, loss of boost?)
- Diagnosis by Mazda
- Repairs performed
- Dealership (if you wish to do so)
- Any other anecdotal evidence you think I would find useful

If you wish to provide your name (instead of remaining behind a forum nick) you can email me at ####. DW I won't be trying to contact anyone, just much better than saying "Bakis" said such and such.

Spread the word... and thanks in advanced for your help!

EDIT: feel free to post less detail

[kagerou]

- 2007 mazda mps 3
- built october 2006 complianced january 2007
- bought new with 44km on odo
- purchased april 2007

- serviced by myself every 5,000km
- serviced by registered mechanic every 10,000km interval
- always used 5w-40 full synthetic oil

- issue became apparent at 64,000km when the car started small puffs of white smoke with a slight blue tinge after pronlonged periods of idling in stop start traffic. smoking became worse the more i drove it, and soon it would smoke as soon as the vehicle came to a stop. smoke smelled of burning plastic and oil.
- no real performance difference noticed

- mazda dealer diagnosed it as a "turbo burning oil" after a 10-15 minute inspection
- new turbo installed under warranty by john newell mazda, alexandria nsw

- the dealer was very good to deal with and pretty much told me after the inspection that they will replace the turbo under warranty, just needed a few days to get the part in
- never once blamed the modifications on the vehicle as the reason for the smoke, nor try to avoid replacing the turbo due to the modifications

if you need/want any more information, then send me a pm

hope this helps

[blackbetty]

- 2005 mazda MPS6
- brought brand new in May 2007, picked up with 20kms on the clock

Always serviced with Mazda on time every time, oil and everything as put in by them at service.

- happened at 31,000 K's
- took it into Mazda explaining what had happened, It was a huge thick white cloud of smoke and smelt so bad like burning plastic, I initially raced around to my boot and opened it thinking something plastic in there had caught on fire ... it was so thick it was hard to see at first where all the smoke was coming from

- my dealer was great about it I left it with them they first did an engine compression test to make sure it was nothing else wrong first
- next day left it with them agan and they left it idling for 45 mins as recommended by Mazda HQ and said yep the turbo seals gone and I had my replacement turbo within two weeks.

- my car has no mods at all and was very much still under warranty

[TD]

- 2007 mazda mps 3
- built November 2007
- bought new with 13km on odo
- purchased february 2008

- full mazda service history
- smoke possibly evident since as early as 4000km (others observed it at a club meeting), I first noticed it at ~20000km, asked dealer to check it out at service, they said nothing was wrong. By ~27000km it was very evident (see pic at http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8764/img0573.jpg)
- At 30000km service left it idling in car park while I spoke to service assistant, smoke came along after 7 mins. They asked me to leave the car overnight for diagnosis.
- Picked up car after service, turbo replacement was approved, booked in for two weeks later.
- Turbo and O2 sensor replaced between ~30000-31000km.

Only mod was Mazdaspeed Cold Air Intake (as available through US Mazda dealers as a factory approved option).

Good luck!

[SomePhoenix]

Thanks for the posts guys.

On another note, can anyone tell me what model the stock (6/gen1 smoky) turbo is? Or perhaps size information? Looking at my options elsewhere at the same time, ie rebuilding and need to know to get any help...

[TD]

Warner-Hitachi K04 turbo

[SomePhoenix]

If anyone is following this, I'm having the turbo rebuilt/replaced at my expense next week. Turbo comes out Tuesday and then I can discuss my options and costs once it gets in the specialists hands.

Consumer Affairs believed that my argument wasn't reasonable and wasn't able to help me at all.

[Doc]

if it get too expensive look into this guy in the states. He has a great reputation

bnrsupercars.com

He has rebuilt (rebuilt better so this wont happen) K04 for your car ready to go.

Good luck, and sorry it didnt work out for you with Mazda.

Whos going to do the rebuild?

Doc

[SomePhoenix]

I can't remember who the dealership spoke to, but I think it may have been Sabbadin. Also I have ATP - Advanced Turbo Performance - Turbocharger Repairs Rebuilds Replacements and Sales, Melbourne Australia to look at too.

Any possible recommendations?

[Doc]

Sorry I dont.

Except for the BNR link i posted.. you order.. they send.. you install .. and then send back your old turbo for a partial refund.

Good luck and keep us in the loop

Doc

[SomePhoenix]

You wouldn't happen to know how much it costs? By the time I pay for labour to remove the turbo (and get quotes on rebuild etc) I'd rather just get it done with then and there (convenience). Rather than either install it back and rebook it for another day when the turbo arrives or be without a car for a couple of weeks.

All getting costly :|.

[Doc]

Directly from the link I posted:

Mazdaspeed 3/6/CX7 Turbocharger upgrades

The BNR stage 1 is a 100% bolt up no fabrication required. It flows enough for 320 AWHP/350 FWHP. It consists of a GT28 Disco Potatoe non ball bearing CHRA (center housing rotating assembly). The end housings are CNC machined to fit the CHRA and all factory oil lines, water lines, and stock wastegate actuator bolt up with no issues! This is perfect for someone that wants reliability but be as close to stock as possible. The BNR stage 1 consists of:

*
CNC machined turbine and compressor housings
*
GT28 CHRA (center housing rotating assembly)
*
high performance thrust assembly
*
garretts latest compressor and turbine wheel designs
*
1 year warranty (extendable to 2 years)
*
NO SMOKE!

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BNR MS367 Stage 1 upgrade price: $1050
Additional 1 year warranty (2 year total) $75

Cheers
Doc

[SomePhoenix]

I assumed that was US$1050 which is about AU$1135, plus whatever postage and time frame, of which I am unsure.

[Doc]

yes thats USD mate......

for that your getting a great turbo that will last for years.

1) Order turbo
2) collect turbo
3)remove old POS turbo (and send to BNR for some money back)
4)install new BNR and smile knowing your new turbo is the shizzzle

Done.

No downtime

[SomePhoenix]

So it seems nobody local has parts to rebuild the turbo...

I've emailed BNR (and about their stage 1 replacement) and protegegarage, hope to hear back soon. Sucks that I either don't have a car or waste several hundred in having the turbo removed and refitted.

I should've just listened to you Doc!