Oil shooting out the exhaust

[highspiritz]

I was having white smoke coming out of my exhaust for a week. Disappears after driving for about 2 miles or so. Have not use the car for a few days and started it today. As usual white smoke came for about 30 mins and I stopped as it was still smoking. Come out looked at the back to find oil all over the pavement behind my car. It was coming from my exhaust.

At first I was confused as to whether it was Oil or diesel. I poured water on the pavement and saw rainbow colours. Then I checked my oil level and it was all gone. Luckily I not drive the car and had checked my oil level 3 days back to find it a bit low and I topped it up to the required level . Had to top up about a litre.

Now this black oil somehow found its way through my exhaust. Help me diagnose this as as to whether I can make do with a local garage. I will have to get it towed into the garage.

[cheshired5]

My money would be on the turbo seal leaking allowing oil into the air intake.
Large quantities of oil in the engine can be catastrophic as the engine can end up combusting the oil uncontrollably and effectively blow itself up.

Google "diesel runaway".

[highspiritz]

Thank you for Your prompt reply. What should I expect to fix it cost wise?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by highspiritz

Thank you for Your prompt reply. What should I expect to fix it cost wise?

If it is indeed the seal leaking, the root cause would need to be found so that would dictate cost.
A simple boost leak for example can reduce intake pressure and allow the seal to weep but that normally results in a much smaller quantity of oil in the intake.

A new intake pipe could be less than £100, a new intercooler could be less than £500, a new turbo could be £1000 but these are only guesses at possible fixes.

You'll need to have it investigated and if someone else is being paid to diagnose and fix, the cost will be whatever the cost is. Sorry I can't be more specific.

[Tannaton]

Assuming the engine is running okay otherwise then the only place oil and exhaust gases can mix is the turbo charger. My money would be on the exhaust turbine seal as you would almost certainly have runaway issues if it was on the intake.

Regardless of which seal though, you will likely need a new or reconditioned turbo. If it is the intake seal (can be confirmed by looking for oil in the intercooler to EGR mixer pipe then you must remove the intercooler and drain it of any residue.

You should get it fixed as it will only get worse and it's not going to be great for other road users. It's not too difficult a job to replace the turbo and any decent garage should be able to do that - Volvo diagnostics not required unless something else goes wrong.

[highspiritz]

Any clue on costs mate? I am taking it to Charwood Automotive. They seem to be recommended on here many a times. I have used them last year for another issue. They said they have second hand ones to replace if needed.

Originally Posted by Tannaton

Assuming the engine is running okay otherwise then the only place oil and exhaust gases can mix is the turbo charger. My money would be on the exhaust turbine seal as you would almost certainly have runaway issues if it was on the intake.

Regardless of which seal though, you will likely need a new or reconditioned turbo. If it is the intake seal (can be confirmed by looking for oil in the intercooler to EGR mixer pipe then you must remove the intercooler and drain it of any residue.

You should get it fixed as it will only get worse and it's not going to be great for other road users. It's not too difficult a job to replace the turbo and any decent garage should be able to do that - Volvo diagnostics not required unless something else goes wrong.

[dingov70]

[QUOTE=cheshired5;2546186]My money would be on the turbo seal leaking allowing oil into the air intake.
Large quantities of oil in the engine can be catastrophic as the engine can end up combusting the oil uncontrollably and effectively blow itself up.

Good answer , but you got the wrong side of the turbo . smoke & dripping oil is always a sign the bearing/seal on the exhaust side has failed . IF it was on the compressor side it would be grey / black smoke & the engine as you rightly note would enjoy a free diet of engine oil it could burn as fuel , leading to a runaway engine .

Bottom line the turbo requires replacing & maybe the exhaust due to oil contamination , as it will smoke for a long long time after repair

[Tannaton]

I would look for a second hand exhaust from a breaker - you will need to collect as they are not postable, but my 2003 still has the original exhaust with no repairs so there should be some available in OK condition.