Mazda's response to the 'smokey turbo' issue.

[JohnnyT]

SMOKE FROM TAIL PIPES AFTER PROLONGED IDLE PERIODS

Applicable Models

Model Starting S/N Ending S/N Model Spec CX7 2007-2008 000001 209008 P/D BEFORE 2/15/2008 MAZDA6 2006-2007 000001 999999 ALL MAZDASPEED6 MAZDA3 2007-2008 000001 880368 P/D BEFORE 2/6/2008 Related Category/Subcategory/Symptoms

ENGINE / MECHANICAL / WHITE SMOKE,BLUE SMOKE
ENGINE / EMISSIONS SYSTEM / EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION
ENGINE / EMISSIONS SYSTEM / WHITE SMOKE,BLUE SMOKE
ENGINE / EMISSIONS SYSTEM / BLACK SMOKE
ENGINE / MECHANICAL / EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION

MTOL - 5505 Dealer Repair Information

Symptom and Conditions


Applicable Model(s) VINS

CX-7 JM3ER ****8* 209008 Produced before 2/15/08
MAZDASPEED6 ALL ALL
MAZDASPEED3 JM1BK ****8* 880368 Produced before 2/6/08

Some customers may experience white/blue smoke from their exhaust pipes
after prolonged idle periods and/or while driving in traffic at very
slow speeds.

This condition may be the result of the turbo's oil supply not being
able to adequately drain out of the turbo during long idle periods.

Vehicles having this concern should be diagnosed using the following diagnostics procedure.
Repair Procedure


1. Confirm that the proper maintenance intervals have been performed.

2. With the engine at normal operating temperature, allow it to idle
for an extended idle period.

Caution:
Closely monitor the engine coolant to the assure the engine does not Overheat.

3. If smoke from the exhaust is present after the extended idle period,
take before pictures of the smoke, then change the oil and filter
using 5W/40 (synthetic). After the oil change, in order to burn off
the oil that remains in the exhaust system, perform the following:
start the engine, check for oil leaks, then let it idle for 10
minutes, after the 10 minute idle period, increase the RPMs to 3000
for 1 minute, repeat idle test to confirm that no smoke returns.

A: If the smoke returns, contact the Technical Assistance Hotline
(Select option #2 for Major Assembly Authorization) with the oil
change history information, to attain an authorization for a turbo
replacement.

B: If smoke DOES NOT RETURN after the repeat idle test, NO other repairs
are to be performed at this time. Explain to the customer that MAZDA
is currently working on an improved positive crankcase valve (PCV)
system to reduce the engine crankcase pressures to allow the turbo's
oil supply to drain from the turbocharger more efficiently This fix
will be available approximately within 90 days and at that time the
oil will be changed back to 5W-30 and the improved PCV system will be
installed

Looks like Mazda's finally claiming responsibility...

I already switched over to 5w40 syn, and am still experiencing issues (albeit much less than before the switch). So, your turbo seals are likely just fine, this is the culprit.

PT-Performance knew about this and was working on this 'PCV fix' for awhile, so it should be interesting to compare this with Mazda's as they will both be issued around the same time.

Sure as hell beats installing a more restrictive banjo bolt. Yes, that was the 'fix' offered by an MSF member.

 

[Workdawg]

I wonder when my car was produced... hmm

 

[DrWebster]

I wonder when my car was produced... hmm

Look on the sticker on the driver's door jamb.

 

[Workdawg]

-_-

Good idea, I'll just turn around in my cube and check, since I park my car in my cube.

 

[DrWebster]

Then quit being a postwhore.

 

[WhiteSpy9]

Thanks for posting this JT.

 

[mndsm]

That's interesting. Because if the seals aren't weaksauce from the factory (Though I suspect they still are), that makes me a little less leery of uncorking it and cranking up the boosties.

 

[JohnnyT]

Considering many of us are on 20+psi, I think you'd be fine.

 

[mndsm]

True.... but I still worry... simply because that's how I roll.

 

[JohnnyT]

Worry later, like when your rod is in your rear view mirror. That's how I roll.

 

[spek1098]

Hmm, any idea why they stop the TSB at that date/VIN? My sister has a CX-7 built 3/14/08 and that def smokes more then it should after idle.

 

[JohnnyT]

I'm sure Mazda saw the issue, came up with their version of a 'fix' and changed some parts around the PCV system and figured it worked better than before so they're denying the rest. Honestly, it's bad. I'd say 80% of the community is smoking, whether they be completely stock, or exhaust modded on stock turbo (upgrade your turbo and you'll never see smoke).

I'd say for Mazda to really do something about this we need the CX-7 owners to get their bitch on. There's tons more of those out there than MS3's and MS6's that are stock and smoking. I doubt I'll even get a fix for this since my warranty is floating around the moon, but maybe I've been nice enough to Walser they'll hook me up.