MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Maintenance, Problems & Troubleshooting => Topic started by: OXO on March 27, 2017, 12:39

Title: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on March 27, 2017, 12:39
Hi,

I have recently bought a 2001 Mk3 in super condition, only 42,800 miles with only 1,500 miles in the last 5 years - I have the MOT's.
An old chap has had it.  
The trouble is that the exhausts are coated in thick soot. I cleaned them out on Friday (looked like new)
Then went on a 450 mile motorway round trip.
Just had an oil and filter change before the trip.
The car seems to perform really well with no issues.
When I got home, the exhausts were full of soot again and it's used 1 litre of oil on that trip.
I am only getting 34 mpg so with the oil, it's a costly overall mpg.
There is no oil on the garage floor.
Any suggestions
Help..............
Mick
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Carolyn on March 27, 2017, 13:36
Sounds like oil control rings (and possibly valve stem seals).  Common problem, I'm afraid.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: cptspaulding on March 27, 2017, 14:35
What Carolyn said on the oil rings.

It's likely to have gone a length of time without an oil change & gummed up the oil rings. Keep checking & topping up your oil.

& since it's burning oil you'll want to get the precats out if they haven't already been removed.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on March 27, 2017, 16:15
Thanks
Oh no, Sounds like I have some work needs doing  !
Mick
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Carolyn on March 27, 2017, 16:26
If you have some tools, getting the engine out is not too difficult.  Quite a bit of work, but you can do it.  Once out, you will need to do a 'mild rebuild' as the pistons have to come out to sort the oil-control rings.  As that means you'll have the head off, it's a good thing to do the valve seals as well.  With such a low mileage engine all you should need is a head gasket kit (with head bolts) and some new rings.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: mr mr2 on March 27, 2017, 18:10
Just keep a eye on the oil  change it regularly and it can last for a good few years I'd definitely get the pre cats out not a hard job and gives a bit of peace of mind and will make it sound a little better


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Title: Re: RE: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: shnazzle on March 27, 2017, 18:16
Quote from: "mr mr2"Just keep a eye on the oil  change it regularly and it can last for a good few years I'd definitely get the pre cats out not a hard job and gives a bit of peace of mind and will make it sound a little better


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Dave! You're back!   s:) :) s:)  

I agree. I think the whole oil burning thing is seen too much as a terminal "can't drive this anymore" thing.

It's not. Run some 10w40 oil if it starts to get a bit bad, that'll give you another year or so.

There's an argument for that you do more damage to the bores the longer you run it, but so far some pretty knackered engines have been brought back to non-oil-burning life by a rebuild so...
Don't freak.
Just plan/save for the inevitable but enjoy it until it then
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Carolyn on March 27, 2017, 18:27
Shnazzle is probably correct.  However, there is a level at which it takes out the main cat and you can't pass MOT.  Might be worth popping into your friendly (if you've got one) local MOT tester and do a voluntary emissions check.  450 mile per litre is on the high side.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Ardent on March 27, 2017, 21:38
Mildly drifting off topic.
Just find this an interesting observation on the general car buying game.
no specific ref to this thread or the op
Many cars for general sale are sold at a premimium with low miles.
And yet here we have an oil burner wit only 42k.
Yet plenty of 100k+ 2s on here with no issue.
Makes you think

Back on topic
Mr T gives an acceptable oil usage upto 612 Miles/litre.
Clearly 450 is out of spec.
If you like and can spanner, then a light rebuild as per Carolyn suggestion = result.
If not an engine can be had for £350ish
Or keep wacking the oil until it does go. Which could be quite some time.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on March 29, 2017, 08:22
It passed the MOT just before the motorway run, so the emissions shouldn't be a problem ?
After reading some really good threads on here...... I checked the PCV valve, which had a little oil, but worked fine.
The air filter was very clogged up.
Now just need to put a new set of spark plugs in  (what is the recommended gap)
I will monitor how she goes when she's all back together.
Thanks for helping
Mick
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Carolyn on March 29, 2017, 10:11
Hi Oxo,

On the PCV: There is no way to 'check' the valve.  It relies on having the correct spring tension.  It can appear to be working fine but that's no guarantee. The symptom is a puff of blue smoke in the mirror when you get back on the throttle (especially after coming down a hill on over-run).

The clogged up air filter might explain the soot.

The plugs are generally correct out of the box, 1.0 - 1.1 mm or 39-43 thou.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on March 29, 2017, 17:13
Thanks Carolyn,  do you know where I can get a PCV from ?   I have searched the net and can't find any over here ?
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Carolyn on March 29, 2017, 17:30
Hmm  This one is getting harder.

They are saying out of stock, please contact.

 m http://www.importcarparts.co.uk/parts-i ... earchPart= (http://www.importcarparts.co.uk/parts-info?id=11479&cat=0&sub=0&sec=0&var=0&dc=0&gen=&searchKey=&searchPart=) m

This one is correct - about twice what I last paid!!

 m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Toyot ... #vi-ilComp (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Toyota-PCV-Valve-Avensis-2002-1220422050-/222147351185?hash=item33b9039291:g:VxYAAOSwnNBXWWaj#vi-ilComp) m

Tip:  with a lot of parts it works better to search for Toyota 1ZZ
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Topdownman on March 30, 2017, 06:59
Steve at D1 customs just fitted a new pcv valve for me part no 12204-22051 (£23.69) for the part.

If you are anywhere nearish to Loughborough definitely worth going to see him (I am 2 hours away but worth the travel to see someone who really knows these cars).

Are you coming to Ding Day? If so, you could consider having your engine carbon cleaned there.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on March 30, 2017, 14:07
Hi,
Now I am starting to apologise for being a nusiance................... I bought the new air filter and plugs (and new plug spanner as mine was too big).
I took the battery off. Air filter replaced, plugs replaced.
Re fitted everything in reverse order.
Now it's a dead as a dodo, nothing at all ?
Lock on key doesn't activate, key in ignition - no lights or anything at all.
Help
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: jonbill on March 30, 2017, 14:17
Did you refit the battery in reverse order?  s:eek: :eek: s:eek:
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on March 30, 2017, 17:44
NOTE TO NEWCOMER................ MAKE SURE YOU RE CONNECT ALL THE BATTERY TERMINALS

Sorry to have been a pain, One of the terminals had slipped down the back of the battery and I hadn't noticed.
I will know next time.
I haven't worked on an engine for 20 odd years, these days under the bonnet is just a plastic cover.
I am learning fast !
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Carolyn on March 30, 2017, 18:09
I admire your honesty.  

Stay on the spanners- you'll get there!
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Ardent on March 30, 2017, 19:26
OXO

Like Carolyn says, your last post has bought you some kudos points for honesty. Rest assured there are many tales of dropped clangers on here.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: shnazzle on March 30, 2017, 19:41
I found a 10mm spanner, 1 small screwdriver and 2 bolts last time I took off my rear bumper. So...don't fret  s:) :) s:)  Enjoy it and learn
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Call the midlife! on March 30, 2017, 21:35
And I've got 4 newly fitted reversing sensors in my rear bumper that are nothing more than "adornments" as they're fitted too low. Maybe there's the beginnings of a new thread, "what have you clocked up on your MR2 today?"...


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Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: furbern on April 14, 2017, 19:44
Before you strip it try some Forte flush or BG109 and another oil change. It does clean up the inside of the engine, but it may just free off your rings. At worst it'll be cleaner to rebuild.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on April 15, 2017, 07:52
Hi Furbern
The BG109 sounds really good (if it works)  I am sure it's worth a try. The other one says not for retail ?

Thanks
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on August 28, 2017, 09:34
Hi Folks,
Since I first posted about my sooty exhausts I have tried all the easier/cheaper options that have been suggested on here, on you tube etc.
The last one was "Seafoam"  put some in each cylinder for 24 hours one a day over 4 days, started the engine without the plug to remove it and so on. Did a full oil and filter change.
Went for a run and it purred like a kitten for a good half an hour....... until I found an empty road, I dropped the gears and floored it, it went like the wind....... until the oil light came on !
I slowed down and there was a sound similar to if you were on a push bike free wheeling and the chain is in nutral.
I stopped and checked the oil.... full to the top. Waited 20 minutes and set off again, no oil light.
After 20 minutes going up a hill it came on and the sound returned, it only made the noise if in gear and pulling, if I eased off so did the sound.
Stopped waited 10 minutes, set off all ok.
Back home in the garage I have had it running 3 times for a good half each time revved up to 6000 no oil light, no sound.
I am just terrified to go out in it now.
Garage said it would be a full strip down which is expensive so probably put a new engine in ?
It's only done 45,000 miles I have read where these engines easily do over a 100k ?
Help and advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Title: Sooty exhausts
Post by: smarty72 on August 28, 2017, 15:34
As I'm sure you're aware, the oil light doesn't warn you when the oil level is low, it warns you that the pressure has dropped.

I can't see that anything you've done would have affected the oil pump.  You have just changed the filter though, so could this perhaps be faulty and restricting the oil flow when the engine gets to high revs?

Or maybe there is a restriction on the oil pick up from the sump???

But if I would you, I would wait for someone with far more knowledge than me to come along (Carolyn, where are you?)

Fingers crossed for you though.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Ardent on August 28, 2017, 15:59
As per carolyn much higher up this thread. Only a partial light mild rebuild not a full strip down.
True, i dont know the garage. But i do know carolyn, and trust her judgement.
When was the last time they stripped a 1zz.
Fairly sure carolyn has done 4 this year that i know of.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Carolyn on August 28, 2017, 16:03
Well.  
You're losing pressure when the oil gets properly warm (and thin!).  The chain sound was probably just that - not enough pressure to operate the chain tensioner.  So, why are you losing pressure?  There's more than one possibility.  But suffice to say you can't really know until the engine is taken apart.  Could be a tired oil pump, could be worn rod bearings with too big an oil clearance.  Could be a bit of both.  It's possible to remove the timing cover, cams and timing gear with the engine in the car,  This allows one to access the oil pump and replace it. You can also remove the sump and check the rod bearing condition and clearances.  But you might do all that, put it back together and still have a sad engine, as you won't have dealt with the piston rings.
Also, you've done the engine no good at all by running it with the oil light on, even for more than a couple of seconds.
I'm afraid there are no cheap, easy solutions.
It's rebuild time, I'm afraid. That way everything gets examined and fixed in one go.
As for a used engine.. unless it has come out of a low mileage accident damaged car with excellent service history, there's a good chance it will burn oil too.  So even a used engine should probably be opened up.
Where are you based?  If you're close enough, I can have a look at it for you.  No promises...
BTW:  1ZZ #6 (that's for 2017) is on the engine stand right now.  It's an early 2004 facelift engine with gummed up rings and it's a right mess!  
.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: ilovejapcrap on August 29, 2017, 07:39
Hmmm

This sounds just like me about 2 months ago.

I was asking everyone why I had black smoke changing bits etc.

In the end I bit the bullit and re built the engine

 l viewtopic.php?f=88&t=62697 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=88&t=62697) l
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on August 30, 2017, 21:15
Thanks for your advice.
I have ordered a Toyota oil filter from the dealers, so will give it a try for starters and let you know.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: mr2garageswindon on September 1, 2017, 14:30
Try getting the oil pressure checked. The light comes on when pressure is down to very low psi it should be 2.9 to 5.4 Bar at 3000 rpm. That will be a good and cheap starting point.
Chances are it needs a rebuild though.
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on September 24, 2017, 09:16
Hi Folks,
Returning to my terrifying problem of the oil light coming on at high revs...........
I spoke to an engine re builder and explained the symptoms.
He told me that it could be because I have been cleaning  (seafoam was the last one)  and de carbonising the engine all the crap would now be in the sump
(although changed and flushed the oil 4 times in 2,000 miles) and  the filter mesh could be clogged up.
He was absolutely right. I took the sump off and couldn't believe the sludge in the bottom and yes the filter mesh was clogged.
it was OK at low revs and slow speed, but give it some and the oil couldn't get through quick enough.
I thoroughly cleaned the mesh and the sump, put it all back together and hey presto !
Drove down to Birmingham and back 180 miles yesterday and it was like a kitten - except when I changed down to overtake and went into 2nd by mistake ..... I'm sure that was a good test for it.
I must say this site is brilliant for help and advice !
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: smarty72 on September 24, 2017, 09:22
Hopefully you've rectified the problem sufficiently to be able to get some use from it.

Any noticeable oil consumption over that distance?
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: Ardent on September 24, 2017, 09:45
Quote from: "OXO"I must say this site is brilliant for help and advice !
Totally agree   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
Title: Re: Sooty exhausts
Post by: OXO on September 27, 2017, 07:56
The exhausts are still sooty, but I will keep a log on the oil consumption.
The main thing is that the engine is very quiet, the car drives really well and I can enjoy it once again.