Hello good people,
My Nissan Primera has developed a 'fault' today.
As i was driving along, the car seemed to loose power, then further along, I noticed blueish smoke coming out of the exhaust? I quickly pulled over and got someone to tow me home.

My question is: Now the turbo charger is 'gone', can I still drive the car, or will driving it lead to other problems?
Thanks in advance.
Tango.

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Men will always be kids. Even after they have grown up, they keep trying to go back where they originally came from!

Sure the turbo is 'gone'? Frequently it's a case of the EGR valve being blocked..... worth getting someone to look it over.

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Could be several things but defo get it checked out before driving it.

Ps meant to say that if you drive with a broken turbo the fan can shatter and break free if very bad.

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Nick

If UHM's helped then please check out UHM's Nominated charity - http://www.donnasdreamhouse.co.uk/

I do admit it could be several things, but from observation, two things stand out?
1) I initially thought the Head Gasket had packed up. So I parked the car, googled head gasket and proceeded to check; engine oil, it had no radiator water in it?
2) Radiator, it showed no mixture with engine oil and was perfect?
3) Air conditioning, that was operating quite well?
4) Temperature guage, that was no way near the mid point?
Besides, I initialy thought the smoke was White, but when I parked car and looked, it was blue?

That left the Turbo?
I am not sure how to be certain, but the dipstick showed no oil in engine (I serviced it 4 months ago)?
I then called the AA people who seem to be of the opinion that the turbo was the culprit?
Nissan quoted £1005 + vat for turbo, £75 for gasket? I intend to fit it myself but believe scraping (165,000 miles) it is better than spending money on it?
Tango

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Men will always be kids. Even after they have grown up, they keep trying to go back where they originally came from!

Did you not check the oil during the last four months?

Turbo used all the oil (leaking past the seals) or you've blown the engine...?

wrinx

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www.ilmostro.co.uk

From what I remember blue white smoke is burnt oil, which is turbo or engine. You are not seeing it in water as it is burnt and out through exhaust. Sorry tango but it sounds like it could be expensive.

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Nick

If UHM's helped then please check out UHM's Nominated charity - http://www.donnasdreamhouse.co.uk/

i dount the engine is blown, wrinx? when i start the car, it fires and idles with no problem at all. just the smoke coming out the exhaust. it is not a smart thing to do, i admit, but i have not checked oil in the past 4 months? i have had the car from new, and have always personally serviced it anually and never check oil?

BTW Kellys-eye, what is EGR
Tango

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Men will always be kids. Even after they have grown up, they keep trying to go back where they originally came from!

EGR is the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve. It can get gummed up with engine deposits. It is meant to re-direct the engine exhaust gasses back through the engine (after starting) until it reaches operating temperature; then, when the engine reaches its proper temperature, it closes and allows the exhuast gasses to go where they are meant to - out the exhaust. When they get stuck (gummed up), blue smoke and loss of power are a significant symptom and are sometimes mistaken for blown turbos. The reason for this is that the EGR valve redirects the exhaust gases PAST the turbo (to some extent) thus a lack of 'turbo-power'.

Blue smoke is definitely oil although when a turbo oil seal goes it usually means MASSES of blue smoke.

The EGR valve can be removed and the 'hole' blanked off. This bypasses the EGR function (you'd fail the emissions test though ) and if the smoking stops you're good to go.

Of course, worst case is the lack of oil has destroyed the turbo bearings - they need a constant supply of oil or they burn out quickly - and you could have been the cause of your own mishap.

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There is a debate about using supermarket fuel that causes the EGR's to gum up. I must admit I only use A line fuel in my car and I have never used supermarket diesel.

I too think it is the turbo gone. Oil creeps past the bearing seals and burns in the exhaust giving the blue smoke and lack of power. This firm is worth a look http://www.turbotechnics.com/

Without sounding full of doom a blown turbo can mess up the intercooler and the cat so you will probably need a professional opinion.

DWD

Sorry, I meant excessively worn due to oil starvation so what's left is passing the rings and being burnt, hence smoking...not checking oil from one year to the next is a bit daft really

My money's still on the turbo using all the oil.

wrinx

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www.ilmostro.co.uk

Lesson learnt!
In future, I'll check engine oil on a monthly basis. I think the car has served me well for 6 years. It's a 05 plate. With 165,000 miles on the clock, I can't complain. Just wish I could have gotten more out of it though? As wrinx said, I am responsible for being negligent & creating this problem of my own making.
Will try and see if I can get a part exchange from Nissan using the 'dodgy mottor'? I will te them to deliver, then collect mine. Hope they bring a tow truck as smoke will be a give away.
Tango
BTW, thank you all for your helpful input!

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Men will always be kids. Even after they have grown up, they keep trying to go back where they originally came from!

Reconditioned turbo and you're away..assuming it's at fault of course.

wrinx

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www.ilmostro.co.uk

I agree with Wrinx, try Dewaltdisney's link to the reconditioned ones and find a friendly garage to put in. If it is at fault.

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Nick

If UHM's helped then please check out UHM's Nominated charity - http://www.donnasdreamhouse.co.uk/

Thanks Nick & Wrinx.
If I happen to locate a recondition one, I think I'll attempt the fitting myself?
Tango

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Men will always be kids. Even after they have grown up, they keep trying to go back where they originally came from!

There was a series called wheeler dealers and they changed a turbo on a Saab. It looked ok you just need the tools, weather and access.

Good luck and I hope it goes ok.

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Nick

If UHM's helped then please check out UHM's Nominated charity - http://www.donnasdreamhouse.co.uk/