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

[SomePhoenix]

Hello,

Since Mazda arn't going to perform the necessiary fix for my 6MPS that just started blowing white smoke on extended idle, I thought I'd best start researching what needs to be done and by who would be best. Please don't discuss the reasons why Mazda won't do it in this thread.

So, I have a 6MPS with 81000k's. I believe the 'fix' for this involves a new turbo, however I'm not sure what else needs to be done and would require a mechanic/specialist who knows this. Does anyone have any recommendations for mechanics in Melbourne.

Also recommendations as to what turbos can easily be fitted, I believe the Garret GT2860 is a resonable fit. I'm not looking for any performance gains at this stage, however if some come with the package I wouldn't complain .

Thank-you

[TD]

There's a few different ideas around that are probably worth a shot prior to turbo replacement, this looked interesting to me and for US$25 is the right price.

PT-Performance.com

[Nepharius]

You running any mods on the car? I ask because I had heard some people who modified their exhausts got white smoke and found it going away or being less obvious when they upgraded the intake system to balance out the flow on either side of the turbo. There was also a guy in the USA who said if you decrease the flow(or pressure.. or something) of oil into the turbo it can go away... He installed a restrictor on the oil to the turbo how wise that is I don't know.
Just something to consider. Of course a new turbo would be a tempting proposition.

[SomePhoenix]

Car is stock. I'd rather have the problem stamped out for a few more dollars than test theories. But I still like knowing my options. I'd love to find a mechanic willing to discuss it.

The upgraded exhaust systems would produce extra white smoke at times that it isn't when compared to stock. Improving the intake may still have the issue when idle, I haven't quite found a definitive answer.

Would anybody have the exact list of parts replaced by Mazda? Did they do anything with the PCA or was it purely a turbo replacement?

[Toddy22587]

$25 fix sounds too good to be true... But for that price its got to be worth a shot.

Any ideas where your meant to install this part?

[SomePhoenix]

Well I'd like to know that too...

[MattMPS3]

I would put some serious pressure on Mazda to repair it even though you are out of waranty, it is a known issue and a TSB does exist in their system recognizing the faulty part ( as many here, myself included can attest to), if you have no luck there take it up with fair trading.
There are certain exceptions to the blanket "its out of warranty, too bad" statement, that car dealerships like to throw around, I would do this before looking at alternative options, if they see any signs of tampering you are up that metaphorical creek without a paddle.

[blackbetty]

dont some people say changing your oil to different viscosity or something alleviates the problem ... sure I read that here somewhere

[SomePhoenix]

As I have said, I've already contacted Mazda HQ (case manager, no further escalation). I'll be contacting Consumer Affairs Monday. This is a grey area to me as I did not purchase the car from Mazda, so the question is do I have Statutory Warranty.

As for different viscosity, last service 10W-30 was used, which I believe is already on the thicker side of recommended. Maybe thinner oil would drain better (5W-20?,5W-30?). Not to mention that it is merely a "patch" or mask of the problem at hand. I believe, at times, I am also loosing some boost (could be a coincidence and something else - warn seal, crappy stock wastegate/bov thingo). But I would like to have it looked at by someone not Mazda if they won't fix it.

I've been recommended RE Customs in Melbourne by a few people on Whirlpool.

---
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum....cfm?t=1388172 Some cross pollination if anyone is a Whirlpool member.

[Rooballer]

I've been recommended RE Customs in Melbourne by a few people on Whirlpool.

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Whirlpool - Alert Some cross pollination if anyone is a Whirlpool member.

Tried to have a look, Whirlpool wouldn't let me - "Private Forum"

[SomePhoenix]

Yeah that section is for members who have been there for a little while. Sorry.

[kagerou]

unfortunately the only fix for the smoking issue is either a new stock turbo, a rebuilt unit, or a bigger turbo

i would push for the dealer to cover it under warranty if you still have it, as that is your cheapest option, otherwise its time to redo the turbo

if the warranty does cover it under warranty, all they will do is replace the turbo, and maybe change/top up the engine oil and radiator coolant depending on how much is lost during the change

they may change the studs on the turbo if its seized, and will most likely reuse the gaskets

i have used 5w-40 since 1,000km and i got the smoking issue around 65,000km, so the thicker grade will just delay the process

i wouldn't use the oil restrictor trick because it reduces the amount of oil going to the turbo, which could mean that the turbo will run hotter due a reduced cooling effect provided by the oil

i have a pod and turbo inlet pipe on the intake side, plus a catted downpipe and cat back on the exhaust side, so that cancels out the theory about balancing out the pressures on either side of the turbo, unless i have to change the top mount as well to add some more balance

while you are waiting to sort it would with mazda, you could try changing the pcv valve on the engine as it may not be working properly, and even add an oil catch can to see if that helps

in terms of replacement turbos, i would get the super stock turbo by protege garage because its a rebuilt factory turbo that bolts straight in, and they have assured me that it wont smoke if i have a catted downpipe

the pt performance turbo is better value because its ceramic coated and has a 3" inlet, but the problem is finding a 3" inlet. if you're game enough, you can buy a cpe inlet pipe and cut it, hoping that it fits, or get a 3" inlet fabricated. and you may need a tune once its put in because of all the changes

otherwise, pull the turbo out and have it rebuilt by someone locally, either to factory specifications, or with the garret gt28 internals in the stock housing. i have been told that its a ball bearing system, so you wont have the seals failing like the factory journal bearing unit

[Toddy22587]

I have the same type of mods installed as Kagerou mentioned plus an ETS top mount intercooler and I still have smoke, so balancing the intake and exhaust side of the turbo doesn't appear to make a difference.

I did some reading on a USA forum about the PT-performance PCV fix and the results were mixed. Looked about 50/50 from what I could see however not everyone posted results, mainly only the people that’s weren't happy so it’s hard to tell.

My car is at Mazda right now being looked at and if they decide that they're not going fix it under warranty I’ll be trying out the PT-performance fix possibly in conjunction with an oil catch can.

[SomePhoenix]

Thanks for the info Kagerou.

[LILZLR]

Fix = New Turbo, all gaskets too

[YOU LOSE]

Fix = New Turbo, all gaskets too

I had better lose that 30 klo or you lose will
Col

[shinslinger66]

Hello,

Since Mazda arn't going to perform the necessiary fix for my 6MPS that just started blowing white smoke on extended idle, I thought I'd best start researching what needs to be done and by who would be best. Please don't discuss the reasons why Mazda won't do it in this thread.

So, I have a 6MPS with 81000k's. I believe the 'fix' for this involves a new turbo, however I'm not sure what else needs to be done and would require a mechanic/specialist who knows this. Does anyone have any recommendations for mechanics in Melbourne.

Also recommendations as to what turbos can easily be fitted, I believe the Garret GT2860 is a resonable fit. I'm not looking for any performance gains at this stage, however if some come with the package I wouldn't complain .

Thank-you

thinker oil fixed this for me- and it was real bad at idle...

[SomePhoenix]

The car is already on 10W-30 (Magnatec), or at least that is what's listed on the service recipt from a few weeks ago. I think that is already thicker considering people around here use a 5W-30. Perhaps being Magnatec has something to do with it... Could be worth a try.

I'm also conserned that the oil is more of a "patch" than a fix. And the problem will come back at a less convenient time.

[shinslinger66]

been working in mine for about 50,000km now.

[SomePhoenix]

Well, then what oil are you using?