Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) unusual smoke... what to do?

[Rman]

My truck began smoking heavily in the last few days. I assumed it was bad fuel so I ran the tank near empty and filled up at my normal location (I was out of town travelling for the last tank). It still smokes. Mainly at idle and upon acceleration off idle, it'll spew thick heavy whitish blueish smoke. I checked the oil and it's a quart low, but I haven't checked it in a while... approaching 3k miles I assume.



Any ideas? What would cause it to burn oil. I do have a bypass oil filter that returns to the valvetrain area, perhaps I have a bad valve seal and it's leaking there?

 

[Bob Wagner]

check for codes and report back

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Could be a failed oil seal inside the turbo - could be serious on the intake side of the engine, since it could cause an engine runaway - but yours sounds more like a leak on the exhaust side...

 

[Rman]

oh yeah... I run a stock truck, except for an AFE air filter, which is relatively clean by the way. I checked the easy stuff. I'll change the fuel filter tonight, I opened the petcock for the water and I didn't see anything but fuel come out.

 

[Rman]

Originally posted by Bob Wagner

check for codes and report back

Checked codes Bob, nothing. I'm about to change the fuel filter if I have a spare in my tool box. Man I sure hope the turbo seal isn't blown, wouldn't oil residue be visble in the exhaust though? The tail pipe has the normal buildup in/on it, nothing out of the ordinary.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

The oil leakage from a bad turbo seal would probably burn off as fast as it leaks, leaving pretty much the same residue as normal fuel would - as far as replacing a bad seal, that USUALLY isn't a serious chore, but it might be a smart move to get a complete O'haul kit - new bushings, seals, etc - not very expensive, and since you are already there...



But first, of course, you must verify the cause by removing the turbo for an inspection once you eliminate other possibilities...

 

[Rman]

Well, a little update. I changed the fuel filter, it's getting worse. I'm now 2 quarts down on oil and have oil all over the back of my truck and tailpipe is very wet inside and out now. I think the turbo is going. I'm not driving it anymore until I can get to take it off and inspect.



Is the turbo part of the power train warranty?

 

[SEmerson]

Yes it is power train warranty item.

 

[Rman]

another update... Turbo was bad, dealer has another on order. Meantime I get to drive the friggin Van, bummer huh. Bad turbo on a stock dodge, right on.

 

[Hohn]

Hey, it happens. Sorry it happened to you, though.



I'd have used this as a lame excuse to go to a bigger turbo



justin

 

[ProspectorTim]

Originally posted by Hohn

... I'd have used this as a lame excuse to go to a bigger turbo



justin

Ditto!