Hello everyone. I have a '94 850 Turbo wagon. I've noticed a burning oil smell once the engine gets warm. Tends to come through the vents if I'm bringing in fresh air from outside. Today, I noticed a puff of blue smoke whenever I started off after sitting at idle for a minute or two. Say for example sitting through a red light. As soon as I gave the car the gas, "puff" goes the blue smoke. This only seems to be happening once the engine is warm. As I'm driving or idling, don't see any smoke. I even think one time I saw a puff of smoke come out from under the hood on the passenger side. I'm not leaving any puddles or even spots under the car, so wherever the leak is, it's not too serious. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Whatever it is, tend to it quickly.

Oil on the outside of the engine usually doesn't smoke... it can smell, but seldom does it get hot enough to visibly smoke. On the other hand, oil getting on a hot exhaust pipe or maniflold will smoke like crazy. It can also catch fire.

If it only seems to happen when the engine is running at higher speed, then take the car out for a quick run, stop, and open the hood. If you can sometimes see smoke, and sometimes smell it, it should be obvious if you get out and open the hood quickly enough.

Disregarding that aspect, human lungs do not respond well to oil smoke.

Pay attention to what Klaus said... if the turbo oil return line is leaking, it can make a mess on the rear of the engine, but the leak is substantial only when the turbo is running at higher speed. That oil can drip all over the place and sometimes get on the exhaust pipe.

But I repeat... breathing hot oil fumes ain't healthy.... please fix it.

Good luck

Marty
'96 855T

Every oil leak is serious, especially if it leaks down on the hot exhaust pipe. It may be an early symptom of a turbo seal going bad. Check all of the oil lines when the engine is cold with a paper towel. Check the areas above the exhaust pipe and around the turbo, but only when they are cold. You are leaking oil when ever the manifold pressure rises.

Klaus
--
98 V70Rawd(108Kmi), 95 854T(88K mi), 75 164E(173K mi)

Just wanted to say "thank you" gentlemen for giving me an idea as to where to start looking. As always, everyone here is ever so helpful.