Intermittant Blue Smoke when Idling

Submitted: Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 14:18
ThreadID: 21351 Views:2028 Replies:7 FollowUps:6
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Hi,

My 2000 3.0Ltd intermitantly is blowing blue smoke. When driving around normally there in no smoke.....small amount of black when the turbo kicks in, but when I come up to a set of lights and sit there after a random period of time it starts with a small amount of blue smoke which builds up to be quite a bit. Once I take off the smoke disapates. Next set of lights at Idle it may not blow any smoke?

I noticed the oil level was a little on the low side so I just did an oil change took it for a test drive and it did it again.

I left it idling in the driveway for 10 minutes when I got back and it didn't do it.

I was hoping I might of fixed it by simply changing the oil and getting it to the correct level.

When driving or idling it does not run rough or miss

The reason the oil was low is clamp that holds the oil return pipe on broke thus oil leaked around that pipe. (fixed last weekend)

Any clues?
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Reply By: Nebster - Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 14:38

Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 14:38
Hi

It might be a slight leak on the oil seal on the turbo or valve stem seals.

It only take a tiny drop of oil to make a bit of smoke.

If youre really concerned about it, it might pay to drop into a deisel mechanics and ask them a few questions about what they can suggest.

Never disount a second and third opinion either.

Hope this helps
Cheers
AnswerID: 103075

Reply By: Peter 2 - Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 16:11

Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 16:11
Does it only do it when cold/below normal operating temp?
If so could be the cold start enrichment (if fitted), also some engines advance the timing a tad when cold too.
Depending on the k's it could also be worn seals/rings etc.
blue smoke can be unburnt fuel though it tends to be more whitish in colour.
how long since an injector service?
AnswerID: 103086

Follow Up By: Paul - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 09:34

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 09:34
Peter,

It does it at operating temp
Done 115,000
Injectors are the originals

Going to go for a drive and try to reprodue on a side street.

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Follow Up By: 80scruiser - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 15:45

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 15:45
"How long since an injector service?"
Bear in mind these are non serviceable injectors and will set you back about $600 bucks each.
No harm in removing and testing there crack pressures and spray patterns though.
Best of luck.
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Follow Up By: Paul - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 16:36

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 16:36
Injectors were looked at in October last year and was told they were not perfect but within spec.
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Reply By: GO_OFFROAD - Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 17:35

Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 17:35
sounds like the 2000 3.0 gu piston crack/engine issue starting, especially if its starts to idle rough at the same time, or the other one is the dreaded gu 3.0 turbo issue.
AnswerID: 103098

Reply By: Eric Experience. - Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 22:59

Saturday, Mar 19, 2005 at 22:59
Paul.
Any oil from the turbo bearing will be more likely to burn at high rpm, so its not that, oil from rings or valves will be there all the time and not at this low k's so its not that, that leaves the pcv valve sticking or a piston crack, a piston crack will be more noticable at high temps. good luck. Eric.
AnswerID: 103128

Follow Up By: Paul - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 10:50

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 10:50
Eric,

Well I just came back from a number of trips round the block, smoke did not start until after operating temp had been reached.

Idling is not effected

Opened the oil filler cap and smoke and exhaust gas came out there as well....more than I'd expected for normal blow by......

It makes no difference if I roll to a stop or use engine braking to come to a stop

I also think the oil rings are a bit worn and who knows about the turbo but there is a small quantity of oil in the intercooler and pipes

All I know is that we are heading to Kiama on Thursday towing a heavy campertrailer.

So i she blows up on the way or comming back and someone see us stranded, don't forget to wave.

Where is the PCV valve? as its my last hope !!!! Cause we don't have the $ to fix if its sounding as bad as this.
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Reply By: fourstall2000 - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 09:48

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 09:48
My 2000 model just had its turbo replaced on extended warranty.
Before I took it in for investigation of the "buzzing noise" it was making, I removed the air outlet pipe on the turbo and it was oil saturated,this indicated a leaking seal as well as worn bearings.
I am afraid we 2000/2001 model owners have to accept we have a troublesome vehicle,having owned 4 Nissans previously a new engine at 118,000(complete with turbo),then a replacement turbo at 145,000 indicates this is not the most reliable model.
The service manager at Yarra valley assures me that there is continual development going on, and that this turbo will be better than the last.
Considering that the replacement engine was a 2003 model they had better hurry to get things right.
on a positive note though Nissan if approached corrrectly they appear to be willing to stand by the product even if the warranty has expired.
I hope your problem turns out to be minor but past history is not on your side.
Good luck
AnswerID: 103145

Reply By: MAVERICK(WA) - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 15:23

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 15:23
go and see your local nissan dealer - you have now qualified for the 'woops there it goes' status of a turbo 3.0l owner - don't settle for anything other than a new engine and turbo - if the dealer bitches contacty nissan direct as they are paying for the lot. only bummer is the 3-4 weeks it will be off the road. i definitley would not be going too far, especially towing. rgds
Slow down and relax......

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AnswerID: 103160

Follow Up By: Paul - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 16:33

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 16:33
Hi,

Hasn't gone yet but indications are its well on the way.

Last time I went and saw them over an out of warranty issue (Injector Pump) they fobbed me off as I had not been getting it serviced by them and there was no "good will".

Sounds like fun times ahead. :-(

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Reply By: Paul - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 16:41

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 16:41
All,

Thanks for your input.

I've decided to forgo the camper trailer for Easter and just take Tents.

I'll squeeze it all into our other car......1.6L Pulsar !!!!! Bit of a downsize :-)

I'll take it up to Nissan soon
AnswerID: 103162

Follow Up By: MAVERICK(WA) - Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 20:13

Sunday, Mar 20, 2005 at 20:13
don't worry about 'good will' or who serviced what. i don't know which state you are in but mandurah nissan (wa) have just replaced a 3.0l + turbo which was at 120k - all done on behalf of nissan australia - no questions asked etc as nissan wore the cost. ignore any dealer (none are worth anything anyway once you've parted with the readies) and go straight to nissan. rgds
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