White Smoke from Turbos

[Norrs2]

What is the general reason for white smoke from a Turbo car (in this case a Saab 9-5?

Turbo Seals?
Turbo knackered?
Something more sinister?
Something more simple? (turbo pipe loose)

Thanks in advance

[GardinerG]

Where is the smoke coming from? White smoke is usually steam from the cooling system - a seal or gasket has failed. Blue smoke (stinks) means that an oil seal has gone.

[Norrs2]

Where is the smoke coming from? White smoke is usually steam from the cooling system - a seal or gasket has failed. Blue smoke (stinks) means that an oil seal has gone.

White smoke from the exhaust, more predominant on initial start up and initial acceleration!

[derdle]

I'll ask my niece .. she runs a Saab indy garage with her partner down this way. They may be able to recommend someone up your way to help...I'll get back as soon as I can.

Paul

[derdle]

What I suspected (but didn't commit to writing here!!!)...Seems to reckon it's the head gasket - it is a common problem on these cars. I had one go on an old 9000 turbo I had years ago.

These guys may be able to help you, and while you're there they could remap your car! If you go to them, let them know that Ian from Stevenage recommended them!

http://www.roseisle.com/maptun.asp

Paul

[Norrs2]

What I suspected (but didn't commit to writing here!!!)...Seems to reckon it's the head gasket - it is a common problem on these cars. I had one go on an old 9000 turbo I had years ago.

These guys may be able to help you, and while you're there they could remap your car! If you go to them, let them know that Ian from Stevenage recommended them!

http://www.roseisle.com/maptun.asp

Paul

Thanks Paul

Turned out to be Turbo seals apparently. Guy sold the car when it was fixed. It's put him off Saab's now, as it only had 30k on it!!!!! He went and bought a Beemer

Cheers

[derdle]

Surely turbo seals would produce a blueish smoke - burning oil? Whereas the white would be mainly steam.

I'd have preferred to keep the Saab myself, but there you go - each to their own!

Paul

[alastairg]

Please beware the white smoke on start up. This is usually water in the exhaust system. Marked if you do lots of short journeys and when weather changes to cool & damp. Unless it persists with the car warm & you are losing coolant it is not the head gasket.
Oil does not produce white smoke & BTW coolant smells sweet