Dgeorge Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Hi, I bought a 1990 Subaru Loyale 5-speed manual, many many miles on it. I don't believe it had been driven out of town for a long time. After I had driven it on the highway about 20 miles a big puff of white-blue smoke came out the tailpipe. But the engine kept going and I made it home okay, no more smoke. The next time I drove it, after about ten miles it started to hiccup but I made it home okay using the gears to keep up the revs. The next time, approximately the same place, at about 2000 rpm it died. Getting home I had to keep it above 3000-3500 rpm, and had another shorter incident of white-blue smoke. Now I find quite a lot of oil in the air filter box, oil level is at max, oil pressure is okay. Any ideas what is going on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I would first look at changing the PCV valve. this is a classic symptom. The PCV valve is located on the back of the intake just behind the throttle body. second, i would look at the insides of all the hoses. I have seen them carbon up like corroded arteries. These hoses are vinyl. you may be able to find vinyl hose, but 5/8 heater hose would suffice, but you may have to change them periodically due to oil infliction. Make sure to run enough length to not cause a kink. The original hoses may break at their fittings. I haet gun helps. Don'y be disappointed if it breaks, use a heater hose, or buy one from a forum member who have spares! Third, if you are ambitious, remove the valve covers and clean out the trap that is behind the pcv hose fitting on the inside after all that, do the sea foam treatment. the can calls for 13/ in oil, 1/3rd in fuel, and 1/3rd to suck into the engine. this engine may be so carboned, that you may just want 2 bottles, and treat the car 3 times with the first, feed it till the car stalls, and let sit. try sitting overnite. add some to the oil, drive it around in a spirited manner, and then change the oil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deener Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 After checking what Miles has suggested and if the problem persists beyond the PCV and hoses, do a dry and then wet compression test. If the wet results are substantialy different, you could also have a serious cylinder/piston ring issue. I just went through the exact same symptom and I chased it for a while as though it was a blocked exhaust and/or a PCV issue. The new PCV valve and clearing the hoses etc did nothing for my issue and a vaccum test on the exhaust proved it wasn't restricted. My issue turned out to be a wrecked cylinder and piston rings. The only thing that fixed it for me was a new engine block where the cylinders all hold compression. I don't want to scare you - but knowing to test the cylinders for compression could save you hours of scratching your head if the PCV system turns out ok. As far as the car not running very well right after this happens - the blow-by on mine was so bad that it would actually contaminate the MAF sensor with oil (little tiny element inside the rubber air intake, close to the air box - viewed through the small hole when the air box is off). To get it back running after when the plume of smoke happens you can try squirting some carb cleaner on the sensor to clean it. Best of luck and I hope for your sake it is only the PCV system. You can also read this thread about the issue I had if it helps any: http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=117313 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dgeorge Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 Thanks to both, I will check this PCV valve, not sure what it looks like but will try to figure it out. I appreciate your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dgeorge Posted March 30, 2011 Author Share Posted March 30, 2011 Miles Fox I see you are online right now -- can you say what this PCV valve looks like, or what the throttle box looks like? I am a little lost by the stuff around the air intake cover where it says "EFI" in big letters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deener Posted March 30, 2011 Share Posted March 30, 2011 I am trying to insert a pic of it for you, it is in the back of the intake and a hose should be attached to it: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dgeorge Posted March 31, 2011 Author Share Posted March 31, 2011 Thank you Deener, I got the pic, I appreciate that very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 This will help you understand the routing through the hoses Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dgeorge Posted March 31, 2011 Author Share Posted March 31, 2011 Thank you MilesFox -- you guys are terrific! Glad I found this place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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