1986 BMW e30 325 Turbo Problems

[nnastye30]

Hello,

I recently turboed my 1986 BMW, I got the tune down and i've got it running pretty strong, pushing around 10 psi. I installed the EEII USA kit. I have the exhaust all done and the intercooler piping all dialed in.

The biggest problem has been oil leaks. Pre-turbo it would leak little to no oil. Now, it will leak oil all over the place when shutting the car off (It drips a little bit, but from all sorts of diferent spots). The oil feed and oil drain lines and fittings aren't leaking any oil. I also replaced the valve cover gasket and it still leaks oil

Here's the big problem, I think there is something wrong with the crankcase ventilation. It leaks oil out of the valve cover cap (Which i now replaced) and all over the valve cover. So, i think this is a big clue. How does crankcase ventilation work on the '86 E30?

In the kit it came with a oil catch can (this kit didnt come with any instructions). I never installed it, didn't think i would need it but it is looking like i might. Where would i hook that up to? Do i run it through that hose that routes back to the intake (Off the ICV i believe)?

Also, my oil level is pretty full (shows a little bit below max on the dipstick), for a couple reasons mostly just because it leaks oil.

Currently it runs 10W-30 oil. I have considered moving up to a 15W-50 to thicken the oil because of all of the added heat. Is that something I should do?

to summarize, i think there is too much crankcase pressure causing the car to want to leak oil

Appreciate it

[h82crash]

M20? Miles on the engine? Forced induction will certainly test the blow by resistance of the engine and proper ventilation is necessary. Crankcase pressure leads to numerous problems and can even prevent the turbo from draining. Get it vented and hope that you haven't already blown your rear main seal.

As far as thick oil, it really is only helpful when clearances are loose. If that if you have, like a 200K mile engine, maybe it could help preserve your bearings.

[nnastye30]

M20, 102k miles. How can i get it vented?


Thanks for the help

[h82crash]

Easiest is to tap into the valve cover, attach fittings, hoses, catch can, etc. If you're still plugged into your manifold like factory, that's compounding the problem. Do a search in this forum for crankcase venting.

[nnastye30]

Did that, Still didnt fix the probelm, so i'm lost now on what to do

[PowerKraut]

may sound stupid, but did you remove the stock breather hose that goes from the elbow before the throttle body to the valve cover?

on my very first build when many years ago i just forgot that and pushed boost into the crank case ventilation with said results.

- - - Updated - - -

And maybe just hook a boost gauge up to your crank case or valve cover (like mcgyver something on the dipstick tube) and meassure the pressure in there.

[nnastye30]

I havent removed it. Should i?

i think this could be it, that makes sense

[ba114]

100% your issue. Your pressuring the crankcase through this tube

[PowerKraut]

Your charger is forcing boost into the crank case. Shut the tube at the elbow off and your issues are gone. glad to help.

[nnastye30]

Fixed the problem, however, now there is an excess amount of white smoke coming out of the exhaust. Also, my AFRs are down in the 10s when i rev the car, meaning it is also getting too much fuel or not enough air. Any ideas?

[marc79euro635]

On my 745 turbo setup, the crankcase vent from the valve cover goes to ahead of the compressor inlet. This way it's always under suction.