White smoke when idle after installing MS CAI

[Turok]

So I just installed my MS CAI in SRI mode, I started the engine and let it idle for 6-8 mins everything is fine, no CEL. After the engine warmed up I noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust, not too much but enough.

I test drove the car (still no CEL) and when I got home let the car idle and no white smoke, but after 2-3 mins of idling the white smoke returned.. and this time it was thicker and more consistent. I mean it was enough white smoke to see a trail of it drifting across the neighbors driveway.

Would having the MS CAI in SRI mode cause this? Or is this related to something else entirely? the turbo? A/F Ratio?

[Turok]

I also read the thread about some 2007 MS3 having issues with the turbo and white smoke/blue smoke etc.. Could this be the case for me all of a sudden?

[WeatherB]

Are you sure it's smoke and not steam? Your ECU is probably trying to learn the new intake, give it 50km and see if it still happens.

White or blue smoke usually means a bad turbo seal, which happens on the 2007 Speeds before they changed to a new P/N turbo.

[Turok]

Are you sure it's smoke and not steam? Your ECU is probably trying to learn the new intake, give it 50km and see if it still happens.

White or blue smoke usually means a bad turbo seal, which happens on the 2007 Speeds before they changed to a new P/N turbo.

I'm positive its white smoke, steam generally doesn't drift 10+ ft and it's a warm humid day out as well. The smoke stinks as well, not like burning oil though not sure exactly what it smells like. I mean it was smoking enough, I turn the engine off due to the amount coming out.

I just read this thread http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?25239-Anyone-here-have-Turbo-replaced/page4&highlight=replace+turbo
and it seems like this could be the problem.

I'll give it 50KM though and see if it's still happening.

How many KM are the turbo's covered for? I have 57,000KM on my car right now. Also if I have to go to the dealer for this issue should I re-install the stock intake? or leave the MS CAI in SRI mode? or will they bitch/complain that the MS CAI isn't install correctly, meaning it's not in full CAI mode?

[WeatherB]

That's weird, I don't see why the intake alone would cause it to smoke. Make sure your car isn't low on oil and then give it the 50km and see if the issue resolves itself.

If not, reinstall the stock intake and see if it still has a problem. If so, take it into the dealer with the stock intake so you don't run the risk of any issues.

Not sure if the turbo is covered by the powertrain warranty or not.

[TheMAN]

I bet my money on a smoking turbo

switch to a good 40 weight oil like mobil1 0W40 and go from there

[Donutz]

Does it look like this?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlFV3skMQRI

More info here (http://mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123748050).

[Turok]

I watched this video earlier lol

well the first time it smoked, no it wasn't that bad and that was shortly after starting the car for the first time after the install, then after I got back from the test drive, and it was idling, it was like that sorta, but the smoke was whiter

[Fobio]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?35296-Official-smoking-turbo-response-from-Mazda

[Turok]

Update!

So no more white smoke.. so far from the exhaust..50KM later.. things are running smoothly and no CEL and no white smoke.. so looks like no issues with the turbo after all (fingers are crossed). I'm going to monitor it this week and see if anything changes, but so far so good.

I'll be installing the CAI in full CAI mode this week/weekend probably, but that shouldn't change anything should it? should I disconnect the battery when I install the lower intake tube? so the MAF can configure itself again? I'm thinking yes since the air would be cooler/ different density would it not?

Here is a video of my car running the MS CAI in SRI mode if anyone is interested.. sounds awesome btw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZNwrflbZIo

[horto]

I had the same issue when I installed my Cobb SRI. It also went away after ~50km. Maybe it was excess oil from the filter burning off, who knows. Glad to hear yours worked out okay.

[MRT_MS3]

I didnt wanna start a new thread but the exact same thing like what the OP described happened to me this morning. Installed a CPe CAI a few weeks ago and switched from oem oil to pennzoil 5w30 plat. I started the car again this afternoon, drove it semi hard, waited 10 mins idling and no white smoke. wtf...is this something I should bring to the dealer? did the OP ever experienced this problem again? Im only running CAI and at 78kms.

[mikey32235]

i have a short ram system and catback exhaust, when i installed the short ram i noticed white smoke as well. i just did my oil change and i used amsoil 5w30. i let it idle and i haven't noticed it yet.

[MRT_MS3]

it hasnt come back since. ive been letting it idle after a 30mins drive and no white smoke.

the cause seems to be after adding an intake...