Oil Consumption, Smoke on turbo boost

[MidfieldWes]

I have a 2011 MS3, stock as far as I know. I know it’s a common issue to have some smoke and oil consumption associated with the turbo, but the posts I’ve seen, it typically occurs on deceleration/downshifting. My issue is when I’m accelerating heavily and the turbo is boosting. Typically I start seeing light smoke around half boost and the smoke gets heavier as I put more load on the turbo. Thoughts?

 

[StayFrausty]

Until you cant see behind you at idle and it looks like your car is on fire, then it’s probably fine for now

 

[Awafrican]

Sounds like carbon burning off, does it ever go away under boost? Mine does an initial puff off soot.

That being said are you checking the oil? Frequently checking the dip stick is the best way to check for oil consumption and avoid running low on oil.

 

[MidfieldWes]

Sounds like carbon burning off, does it ever go away under boost? Mine does an initial puff off soot.

That being said are you checking the oil? Frequently checking the dip stick is the best way to check for oil consumption and avoid running low on oil.

I’ve been going pretty easy on it since noticing this so I haven’t been under boost long enough to see if it goes away. I do check the oil regularly and I regularly have to add some to keep it in range.

 

[Awafrican]

So yup oil consumption not just burning off carbon, stock turbo I presume? What mileage and what oil weight? 5w40 is a tsb weight to help solve smoking turbo issues, if that doesn't do it (even that's a Bandaid) then it's time for a new turbo probably, remove the intake look for oil in it / the fins also look for oil in the intercooler piping.

I have seen just the hot side fail at which point oils going right into the exhaust. Also a failed PCV valve can cause oil consumption.

 

[MidfieldWes]

So yup oil consumption not just burning off carbon, stock turbo I presume? What mileage and what oil weight? 5w40 is a tsb weight to help solve smoking turbo issues, if that doesn't do it (even that's a Bandaid) then it's time for a new turbo probably, remove the intake look for oil in it / the fins also look for oil in the intercooler piping.

I have seen just the hot side fail at which point oils going right into the exhaust. Also a failed PCV valve can cause oil consumption.

I have 136,000 miles. I’ve always run 5w30 so I’ll try 5w40 next oil change and see if it helps at all. PCV valve would make sense because it hasn’t been changed. I’ve also seen online about how running an aftermarket oil restrictor bolt can help with this issue. Any insight on that?

 

[Awafrican]

Oil restrictor is a Bandaid until you can get a new turbo in, by the time you need one of those your turbo is already done and it's just to help reduce oil consumption so sure it can help reduce oil consumption but you'll still need a new turbo.

 

[MidfieldWes]

Oil restrictor is a Bandaid until you can get a new turbo in, by the time you need one of those your turbo is already done and it's just to help reduce oil consumption so sure it can help reduce oil consumption but you'll still need a new turbo.

Makes sense. Thanks for your advice!