youll most definately find the problem with the compression or leakdown test

heres the writeup for the plenum pull to get to the heads if you want to leave the engine in.

heres the writeup for taking the engine out

6 Ps

 

It's not likely a blown piston. Like I said, white smoke is generally coolant... pistons don't directly see any coolant. A blown piston would cause a combination of misfiring under boost, popping the dipstick out (due to high crankcase pressures), and burning oil (blue smoke).

And thank you b300z for posting the link for me... and that one's actually better than the one I had bookmarked. (My bookmarked 6 Ps post had dead image links.)

 

Ok so im driving up to do thhe test this week. ive got the tools for the compression ntest but not for the leakdown test. Do they carry it at you average advanced auto parts, pep boys, whatever? A friend of mine at the shop mentioned that there might be a chemical that you can nrun through the system that can distinguish it thhe same way as a leakdown but without the hassle of the leakdown test itself, is this true?

the chassis is a 90 and the motor is a 90-94 teh guy is looking for the papers on it but hes got to "finnd them in his stack" ill rattle of the full list of modifications tomorow


Thanks alot guys, especially for not trashing on me for not knowing my stuff. Im getting there it just takes practice
Sincerely
Dusty

 

IIRC, a leakdown test is basically performed with the same equipment as a compression test. You crank it like a compression test and then just leave it alone. The cylinder should hold pressure pretty constant for a few minutes. If it doesn't hold the pressure (if it drops notably while you're waiting), then there's a problem.

 

For the leak down test you usually need a supply of compressed air. The idea is to build up cylinder pressure (compression pressure) to around 200 psi. The measurement that your looking for, in a leak down test, is the amount of pressure drop over a given period of time. Like one minute.

The compression test will tell you if you have a bad cylinder. The leak down test will tell you what is bad. You can tell if the leak is at the valves, the rings, or the h/g.

For this exercise, you can prolly just do the compression test. It will tell you whether the motor needs to come apart, or whether the turbos need to be replaced.

 

but it almost sounds like one turbo is leaking coolant into the turbo itself. It would cause poor running conditions on one side of the engine wouldn't throw any codes (that i am aware of) but it would eat coolant. So if your car isn't eating coolant then scratch that idea... but if the leakdown tests good...its perhaps something to look at.

 

Exactly. That's the only other logical explanation; it's either the turbo burning coolant directly or the cylinders on that side doing the same. The compression test/leakdown test results should answer the question as to which is the most likely.

 

GAWD! and im thought MY projects were da pits!!!!! PLEASE go to a car recycling yard, find a car you like best, get the motor and all--rebuild the thing, install it in your car, drive, enjoy!!!!!

 

My parents came back and screwed me. They snached up the title of the car i currently own and they wont let me sell it, nor will they let me buy the other car. I never got a chance to get out and test the car cause they have my car and my keys, but i can give you guys all the info on what the project car has modifications wise. Hes got about 17k into the car with all the receipts and everything for it, and it looks great, it just needs a little TLC his asking price is 7 but hes really desperate to sell, so im positive you guys can barter him down. i saw there were a number of chicago guys/gals here, thats y i posted this here. i just figured the car shouldnt go to waste, and since i cant have it, i want to see it in the hands of somebody who knows what their doing, not some spoiled brat kid. The guy's email is dreadlock81@msn.com worst case you guys can get the info. happy hunting. if anything changes and my parents get their heads out of their asses, ill give you an update
Dustin

 

oh man... id hop on that like a 16 year olds first time if it werent for what i fear the problem is... man... jeez oh jeez... curious. did you guys ever get the compression checked? if not.. i might be interested in comin to check it myself... but umm... numbers i find will be mine to share with you if i want... lol... seriously... wheres it at again?

 

hey, naw i didnt get out to do the tests. My email is dmuzial@gmail.com, i can give you all the information i have its in hamsire illinois its about a 40 minute drive from naperville observing all speed limits. Lol, as i said its a beautiful looing car im just getting screwed by my parents. theyre making me sell my Z and buy seibring. i think im going to end up selling out and buying my neighbors IS300, i know whats happened to it, its pretty nice, low miles, and i dont have to argue with my parents about buying a car that can fit more than 2 seats. itll be a blow to my ego and my crotch, but eh oh well, ill cry, ill move on

 

Umm, your parents can't MAKE you do or selling anything...