New Surf, Need a bit of help.

[APE93LUX]

Hi all, I am a new user to the forum having recently bought my first surf. Its a K reg 2.4 td ssr-x ltd auto and I absolutely love it so far but have had a problem over the last few weeks.

Truck runs well generally but has recently started missing and smoking after my morning commute. Seems fine all the way but only while parking it does it start to run rough and smoke. Smoke looks bluish to me. Does not do this all the time, but quite often.

When I bought it, it ran well but was oil leaking from the turbo inlet. On inspection the 90 deg hose was split so have now replaced this and does not feel down on power. I have cleaned out the oil and run a separator to the breather to try to stop it coming back.

I have also replaced the thermostat as engine has not been getting up to operating temperature. Now sits perfectly in the middle of the temp guage all the time. I have put Redex in to try and clean the engine out and have disconnected the EGR. I have also changed the oil and all filters as well as flushing the brown coolant and repacing it with new.

I am wondering if anyone has an idea what could be causing the intermittent missing/smoking problem. Only seems to happen after a higher speed run but again not all the time.

I am concerned following learning the engine's reputation for eating heads. I have not yet been able to get it compression tested but doesnt use coolant or much oil if any.

Would be grateful if anyone has any ideas as to any other possible causes. Understand turbo seals could cause smoke but would they cause misfire?

Any assistance would be very helpful.

[APE93LUX]

Just a quick update on this fault. I have checked for codes and comes up all clear.

The turbo is quite loud and seems to have blown oil into the inlet but ran the engine without turbo connected and still misses once it has run for a good period. I have also cleaned the inlet out in case the oil was causing it but no joy.

Really don't want to spend out on a turbo if not needed as it's still boosting.

Only seems to have happened since a change of oil and filters a few weeks back.

I'm guessing a compression test is the next job but if anyone has any other ideas it would be much appreciated as I'm losing the will a little.

Cheers in advance.

[TonyN]

smoke could be turbo exhaust side seals, but could also be be rings/valve seals, a compression test will tell what it is.

If oil is in front of the turbo in the inlet, then its coming from the crank breather, which is general engine wear like rings or valve seals.

You normally only get oil in the exhaust pipe if its the turbo, which smokes like crazy, but dosn't normally cause rough running.

A cracked head normally only causes coolant loss, and sometimes white smoke, it doesn't mix with the oil or get oil smoke, unless something catastrophic has happened, and i've not seen it yet.

If it has good good compression, then I'd guess its a fuel problem, either air getting in or worn injectors/fuel pump. Worn injectors are often fine at higher speeds but iffy at idle or when starting

Aslo check the vacuum hoses around the intake, these work a valve that cuts off the air flow when you turn the car off, sometimes these break and the motor is trying to run while not getting much air

[sledge]

thread hijack

tonyn just a quick question is the 3rd gen front bearings on the turbo water cooled as well.

[TonyN]

sorry, just realised this has been coming out wrong, both bearings are oil fed, the coolant goes in a jacket mostly around the front of the turbo.

Normally a shot turbo leaks oil from the exhaust rather than into the intake cos the rear is under the most stress from the drive of the exhaust gases, so wears first.

[sledge]

ahhh cool thought it was oil feed, but was unsure.

[APE93LUX]

Thanks Tony for the help. I have the truck booked in on Thursday for a compression test with my local garage who is good with his diesels. Seems to think its most likely a compression problem as it's only happening once warmed up.

Still, at least I will know either way then. In the meantime I'll check the vacuum hoses to the cut off valve, just in case i'm lucky enough.

Thanks again, I'll keep you informed as the saga unfolds.

[APE93LUX]

Well, seems the Surf is in a bad way. The garage have now compression tested it and cylinder 4 is way down on compression.

He's going to check the clearances but i'm not holding out much hope. Think the head will be coming off over the weekend unless my luck seriously changes but can't afford the garage to do it sadly so will attempt myself. Is it normal for the head to crack on just 1 cyl with no coolant pressurisation, or is it more likely for this to be a valve problem?

Looks like I'll have a decision to make on whether it's worth repairing or just move on to a 3.0l.