hey guys,

ive recently done an engine swap, thread is around here somewhere. ive run the car for a couple of weeks now, and it has been burning a fair bit of oil, been smokey, and a little rough.

just an indication, the oil level went from full to half way in about 2 or 3 weeks, and has been blowing smoke while ive been driving, moreso when idling and slow speed driving. it doesnt show as much when im going faster (50+kmh).

i filled it with castrol magnatec when i did the swap.

does anyone have any ideas what it could be? and also how much i could be looking at to get it fixed. there is no engine light or anything like that showing.

is there a way to monitor the ecu (like OBD II) for the TS magna?

cheers,
rdorman

How many Kms on the "new" engine?

My ts manual hence more rpm on average used has 205,### on it and uses about 1.5 -2 ltr for 10,000 k's

I use magnatec also and swear by it as it seems to free up the revs in the motor better over std oils available...no oil wars please.

In years past with different cars and motor bikes inc the magna i have found that fuel injected vehicles inc late model carbs that they run so well cold that its easy to give it a bit and not realize that the pistons, rings haven't warmed up and sealed correctly hence a huge oil consumption. I live in a very mountainous area and have had this problem until i let it warm before over using the throttle, this is even more so on a used engine.

That aside you may need valve seals which are a common problem in low k cars or high mileage cars.

Easy done on your vehicle but you will need it done by a mechanic as special tools are needed.

Just having an educated guess it would be around $250-500 dollars

Valve seals seap oil over night or at slow speed into the combustion chamber when they become worn or dry, when you boot it the oil is burned in the combustion so less noticeable.

Also when you change the oil please warm up car for final level check as if filter is replaced it can drop a fair bit in ten minutes.

Hope this helps.

What engine and k's do you have on engine.
Manual or auto and your driving habits...it all helps the diagnosis.

engine apparently had 120 or 130k km, ive got it written somewhere.

its in an auto, 2.6 4cyl carb

my driving style is that of a teenager :P love to give it some every now and then... at the moment its whenever its smoky!

im also hearing a bit of chain rattle when i lifted the bonnet, is this normal?
ed: i also run the car for about a minute or so before driving off, and when i drive off normally i dont give it any until its warmed up.

Chain rattle and oil burning isn't normal for such a low Km engine - maybe at 220,000Km or higher.
Pull the head, replace valve stem seals.
Check bore wear - if there is a definite ridge visible - the rings won't be sealing properly. Rebore required, not cheap!
Check crank wear too.
Check wear on chain guides - guides and chains can all be replaced.

As a comparison my 2.6 EFI TS manual at 217,000 Km burns no oil and chain rattle is non existant. Yours must be a much higher km. than claimed or have been very much neglected in its short life.

is there warranty on the new engine

Had a similar prob with another 4 cylinder motor.


Valve seals! that the fix.

Get a few quotes and bobs your uncle.

Also check your comps before and after.

Dont "pull the head" for stem seals FFS

They can be done head on and could be a big part of your issues.

Also, I have a hatred towards Castrol, I have and alway will use Penrite, is a far superior oil and yes as stated many times in the past I have had the tests done

hey guys,

yes the engine has a warranty, 3 months.

i believe i bought it early feb, which means its out of warranty in may.

would it be better to return the engine, and buy another one from a different company? other ones has higher kms...

hey guys,

yes the engine has a warranty, 3 months.

i believe i bought it early feb, which means its out of warranty in may.

would it be better to return the engine, and buy another one from a different company? other ones has higher kms...

Then drive the car to the place you got the engine and let them sort it out. They may elect to pay for the stem seals to be done

Before you take back the car do a comp test cold and than take for a fairly hard drive and redo test.

May help with facts on the engine etc. Easy to do just use a comp gauge can get from autobahn etc cheap.

Dont know what to expect but i think it might be a worthwhile go.

As ive said prob the valve seals but a comp test will state if its a gasket issue.

At the very least it'll see how the engine is going ether way and the gauge is always a handy tool to have.

PS dont over tighten spark plugs after first comp test as when there hot you may not get them out.!!

Then drive the car to the place you got the engine and let them sort it out. They may elect to pay for the stem seals to be done

Won't fix the chain rattle though.

You have an engine with a warranty, screw comp tests and the like, if the chain is rattling and the seals are leaking, take it back and get them ot fix it, that is what the warranty is for after all

yeah, im giving them a call tomorrow to tell them whats happening, and ask them what they want to do.