rs turbo smokey on start up and boost trouble?

Question

i have recently noticed my s2 escort rs turbo smoking when i start up the smoke is white, and when i put my foot down it doesnt seem to want to go anywhere

Answer 1

Before you go condemning the turbo, check all of the vacuum lines and intake seals for leaks.

You could spray carb spray around all the intake seals and pipes to see if the revs pick up, including the inlet manifold. If the revs pick up then you've found your leak.

Failing this, disconnect the wiring plug from the airflow sensor and see if it goes anywhere towards rectifying the problem.

Other checks would be the coolant sensor, a cylinder compression test, and a fuel pressure test.

If you can get your hands on a vacuum gauge, you can rule out several things at once, including any intake leaks as outlined above.

Its worth remembering that the turbo pumps compressed air into the intake, and white smoke indicates an excess of air or a lack of fuel, not a damaged turbo, if the turbo was damaged then the smoke would be black or blue.

Cheers

Geordie

Answer 2

The turbo has a water/oil cooling system, and it sounds like your turbo needs to be either rebuilt or replaced. Take it to a certified mechanic for an evaluation. If you are really mechanically inclined, you can replace your turbo yourself and save about $500, otherwise let a mechanic do the job or you will be paying out the nose for all sorts of issues.

Answer 3

You may have a seal in the turbo going bad. I have also seen the turbo suck all the oil out of an engine too. So watch your oil level and see if you have the same problem. Good luck.