'97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

I have a 97 Turbo with 39,000 miles and have been putting Mobil One 15w-50 oil in it.I always try to keep the oil level around the middle of the oil gauge. Lately whenever I let the 97 Turbo sit for a few days and then start it up, a LOT of white smoke would pour out of the left exhaust. I took it to the dealer (they sell new and used Porsches) and they drain the turbos but it still smoked. Took it back to the dealer and they suggested replacing both turbos. They said the turbos were overdue for replacement anyways. The turbos were replaced two weeks ago and I've been driving it every other day without noticingmuch smoke. Today, it started to smoke again!!!

Any idea what else could be wrong would be much appreciated. Many thanks!

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

how long does the smoke last? Some smoke on startup is normal, but it should only last 5-10 seconds.

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

Thanks for the prompt response, PorscheDoc.

The smoke lasts a few minutes at least. The worrisome part is the volume, it fills my garage as I back out of it andit leaves a VERY long trail of smoke as I drive away.

So what could be the problem?

Man Lee

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

If the turbos were leaking bad enough, that oil could now be in the catalytic convereters. Did they spray out the cats when they swapped the turbos?

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

I don't know. I'll ask them. Thanks for diagnosis, Doc!

Man Lee

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

Hi,

I have a 2001 996 turbo with 36Kms on the clock. It also smokes occasionally at start-up from the left tail-pipe. The smoke lasts about 5 seconds and clears. A week ago I talked to the head Porsche tech in the dealers service department and he says it is not unusual for them [turbos] to do this. It is not considered a problem unlessthey smoke during normal driving then you have a problem. Incidently I was also told to expect turbos to consume a litre of oil per 100kms

I have seen some posts on other forums about various methods to minimise the "bad look" but doubtful whether they are a reliable 'fix'

S.

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

Thanks for sharing your experience, Somahone.

I drove the turbo today and it didn't smoke at all!! So now I'm wondering if the smoke from the previous two mornings were residues fromthe now-replaced-leaky-turbos. I will let it sit through the weekend and see if it smokes again when I drive it on Monday.

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

Guys,
I also got problem with that white bloody smokes at startup, also catch dead end to solve the problem.
First I didcheck the turbos everything inside the turbos are good with normal condition, I changed the repair kit and dynamic balancing somemore. After that smoke at startup shorter time than before but it still smoked.
This twoturbos make and design by Borgwargner the high level position are same with oil tank it will caused oil return from turbo to oil tank delay, so they designed oil return from turbos to oil tank use oil pump from center.
So I decided to dismantled that oil pump and checked to clean everything inside with the hose and intercooler cleaned.
Now smoke at startup shorter again from previousstill smoked but only left turbo.
Next week my plan to check and dismantle again.
Any suggest doc.

Anyway Thanks.
Boost

RE: '97 Turbo smokes at startup
 

I wonder why the left exhaust is more prone to smoking than the right?!

Man Lee