white smoke on startup and losing oil -

[Blue GTSpecB]

Hi there so the story goes.....2008 GT Spec B auto wagon running stage 1 tune only otherwise stock.

Engine has 185K and I did the big end bearing at 120K'ish. Got a new bottom end installed and it's been running really well until about 2 months ago. I noticed lot's of white smoke on start and losing oil (about 0.5 Litre every 1000kms). White smoke was always on startup and was huge clouds so I figured coolant. Once the engine was warm I revved hard and no more smoke not white or blue . Wondered where the oil was going and coincidentally (or not) a breather hose broke a few weeks later and oil was pouring out. Smoke started pouring out of the engine scoop.

Interestingly didn't notice really any major drop in power at all despite a rough idle in low revs. Reading the forum I suspected ringland failure and pictures tell the story.

Now having a full rebuild with forged pistons, reconditioned head, STI injectors and STI turbo, dump pipe and high flow cats but back section of exhaust will remain stock. It will also have a custom tune. While it's being rebuilt is there anything else I should consider bearing in mind it's an auto and my target is to have good but safe power so it doesn't need to have another engine out episode.

[Tonic]

Bummer. Will watch thread with interest to see what is suggested.
I got nothing...naturally aspirated baby...

[LibertyTragic]

Are you going with a new short block like an EJ257 or using the old EJ255?

Maybe consider a front mount while you're at it?

[nvmylh]

Wait so you got a new bottom end installed and 60000kms later its got broken ringlands? Did the tune change at all with that new bottom end? Something strange there!

Can I ask who is doing your rebuild and tuning in melbourne? cheers

[Blue GTSpecB]

Front mount IC is a good suggestion and sticking with same EJ255. I'll look into how much extra work is involved. Good question nvmylh - to be honest I've learned my mistake as I'm sure the tune was a major factor. I've had an ezyflash ChipTorque tune on the car since about 2012.

I won't be using this again and am getting a custom tune from the guys at Revzone (Ringwood, Vic) who have been great and are doing the rebuild for me.

[LibertyTragic]

to be honest I've learned my mistake as I'm sure the tune was a major factor. I've had an ezyflash ChipTorque tune on the car since about 2012.

Interesting. I have a Chiptorque tune as well. Have you ever done some logging or monitoring of the tune? Seems like it is possible to be on the lean side to crack rings. Just wondering what to look out for!

Also, maybe consider some upgraded head studs like ARP as well . Open deck might be the next limit, but might let you add some more boost.

[bigBADbenny]

I recommend Btssm or Romraider for monitoring the state of tune.
Learning View is great for spotting issues before they become problems.

Health checking the car regularly is the thing.

Given the age of the car I’d recommend an upgrade fuel pump and new bucket filter.
Iirc STi injectors are the same as gtb injectors but a new set can’t hurt.

[LibertyTragic]

I recommend Btssm or Romraider for monitoring the state of tune.
Learning View is great for spotting issues before they become problems.

I have Btssm, but I understand you may need a wideband O2 sensor to be able to keep an eye on open loop AFRs?

Any words of wisdom on what to look for in the LV? I have read through your guides, but not a lot of information on simple things to look out for and what is good or bad.

[bigBADbenny]

Yes, post a pic or link your suspect LV here or in the LV thread.

Read my tune faq LV section or the LV faq on romraider forum.

In a nutshell, you can see both fuel corrections vs airflow ranges & knock corrections vs load and rpm.

[LibertyTragic]

This is my current LV with a mix of driving (last ECU reset was a while ago). From my untrained eye and based on your guide, nothing seems too alarming.

Any thoughts?

[bigBADbenny]

Yep, nothing particularly abnormal looking there!

[LibertyTragic]

Good to know!

Is it normal for the FLKC table to stay at zero? I thought the ECU might advance the fine timing if it can?

[bigBADbenny]

Iirc there’s a threshold based on time vs knocks etc that you can read about in the online article “Subaru’s knock control strategy explained”. Then compare that to the Romraider LV faq.

[B Grade]

I just had my 218,000 km service done (same car as you, same year) and my new mechanic mentioned that my previous mechanic did fuck all to when they're meant to be specialists.

My new guys did everything right including running 2 cans of engine cleaner through it, replacing all fluids and bring it back to what i should be.

He did mention that the turbo is leaking and could be the main reason I was burning through so much oil. Had the service 2 days ago and the following morning start up revealed a ploom of white smoke, not overly thick, could see through it then no run through once car was turned over and in park.

I figured condensation at first but after reading this thread I thought I'd get some feedback based on what I've mentioned.

My mechanic said new turbo required. but after reading about ringland I'm starting to think otherwise, now times are tough out there and people need money....am i thinking about this the right way?

thoughts'?

[Yowie]

My new guys did everything right including running 2 cans of engine cleaner through it, replacing all fluids and bring it back to what i should be.

...Had the service 2 days ago and the following morning start up revealed a ploom of white smoke, not overly thick, could see through it then no run through once car was turned over and in park.

Residual (upper?) engine cleaner working its way out perhaps? It's pretty solvent-smelling and smoky when they do the upper engine cleaner process. I wouldn't rule-out some residual solvent trickling down to be burned off on the next startup.