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oil burning clogs the catalyst?

2K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  Richard of the Hills 
#1 ·
Is it true that R56S minis that burn engine oil, have the tendency to clog the catalyst?
 
#2 ·
Depends on what you mean by Burning. Is the exhaust smoke bluish-light gray, or do you mean that the oil level needs regular topping up?
The 2007-2012 turbo motors (N14) lose oil through the engine venting system which directs crankcase pressure into the inlet. This gas carries tiny droplets or vapour of engine oil. over time this oil accumulates around the inlet valves and bakes on to form carbon deposits. This then causes knocking when the engine is under load, usually at about 2800-3200 rpm- you'll suddenly notice that the engine hesitates for a second and there is a loud rattling noise. This is cured by having the inlet blasted with crushed walnut shells to remove the carbon build-up.It works!
If you have had a turbo failure (Bearings failure if the oil is wrong grade or old or low level) then unburnt oil will get into the Cat converter and constrict it, so if you do blow up the turbo, probably better to check the cat for oil and any debris and replace it if it is contaminated. Also replace the turbo oil lines as oily residue builds up inside the oil lines, can break off and clog the oil-feed to the turbo, resulting in another turbo failure (much like plaque in arteries breaking off and causing a heart attack!).
If the engine is burning oil, i.e. blue exhaust, there is much more wrong with it than just worrying about the cat converter becoming clogged.....

Cheers,
 
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