Hi, I am working on a project car, an '84 240 Ti with 199K+. It is finicky. After I finally got it running again, smoke began to pour off the turbo unit. I tried to see if I could spot an oil leak somewhere dripping on it but did not find one. Anyone have a clue? How could it smoke from within itself----or must it be related to an oil leak somewhere external to it? I am no stranger to automobile engines--but this is my first turbo ever. Any ideas for me to chase down would be very much appreciated. Allan Ballard aballard AT ix.netcom.com Atlanta, GA 84 240 Ti 199K 89 240 195K
If smoke is coming off the turbocharger itself under the hood my guess is the bolts are loose or the gasket has failed where the oil line connects to the center cartridge.
My 83 turbo had two problems that made it smoke, the 13 mm bolts that hold the turbo body together had loosened a bit, and the other item was the crankcase vent system, wat under the block on the left side with a long hose running from over by the air cleaner, needed a good cleanout.
Thanks to Mr. Sweet and Mr. Roden. I finally sorta almost understand how the turbo hooks into the engine systems now. What you say makes sense. Loose bolts of one sort, or another, or both. May I ask you a followup question? To remove the turbo...does one have to remove the exhaust header to get at the mounting bolts underneath? Thank you. Allan Ballard
Thanks to Mr. Sweet and Mr. Roden. I finally sorta almost understand how the turbo hooks into the engine systems now. What you say makes sense. Loose bolts of one sort, or another, or both. May I ask you a followup question? To remove the turbo...does one have to remove the exhaust header to get at the mounting bolts underneath? Thank you. Allan Ballard
Yep, the bolts go in from the back, through the manifold into the turbo. There's also some special locking plates which should be replaced when you take it apart. Often you don't have to remove it from the manifold though, the cartridge can be removed with it in place. Just be *very* careful trying to disassemble the turbo, the bolts are usually heavily rusted and stuck from thermal cycles, they're also quite brittle and easy to break off. Lots of catalysing penetrating oil and heat from a propane torch help a lot.
