M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: ///m42 sport on June 03, 2013, 09:54:41 PM

Title: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: ///m42 sport on June 03, 2013, 09:54:41 PM
So I was wondering what this could mean.  I have to check my oil level every week or so and fill a quart.  I also notice black specks on my rear panel. Dont really notice any smoke.  Where to begin?
Title: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: bme30 on June 04, 2013, 05:50:23 AM
Could be carbon from running too rich.
Title: Re: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: sfinsf on June 04, 2013, 07:55:35 AM
so... can you explain why a it might be running too rich when the ecu should be controlling this factor? I think that would be super helpful
Title: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: bme30 on June 04, 2013, 08:31:11 AM
so... can you explain why a it might be running too rich when the ecu should be controlling this factor? I think that would be super helpful

Could be a bad o2 sensor.   Showing lean to the ecu and the ecu compensates with more fuel.

Have you checked any gasket leaks?  Maybe the oil is leaking.  When driving the drops of oil could end up by the rear of the car from the negative air pressure.  Happened to my friends car. 
Title: Re: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: doitover on June 04, 2013, 09:45:16 AM
Do you see any leaks?

After that, a compression test.

After that a, a leakdown test.

So I was wondering what this could mean.  I have to check my oil level every week or so and fill a quart.  I also notice black specks on my rear panel. Dont really notice any smoke.  Where to begin?
Title: Re: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: ///m42 sport on June 08, 2013, 09:43:17 AM
I recently replaced the oil housing gasket, upper, lower oil pan gaskets.  Then had to change the clutch so replaced the rear main seal too.

Title: Re: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: ///m42 sport on March 02, 2014, 10:54:18 PM
I took care of a majority of the leaks and see no leaks from under the car.  Oil filter housing, upper/lower oil pan gasket replaced.  I guess the o2 sensor can be suspect.  How else would l be able to diagnose a bad o2 sensor? 
Title: Re: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: bigskyis on March 05, 2014, 06:58:08 PM
doitover gave you the best advice.
Title: Re: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: ///m42 sport on August 01, 2014, 02:38:21 PM
I'm gonna take it in to a shop finally to have it checked out since I have no engine skills.  I suspect its from worn valve rings. If thats the case, is it economical to replace just that?  or do other stuff while i'm in there?
Title: Re: oil loss, spewing out black debri from exhaust
Post by: wazzu70 on August 08, 2014, 12:19:29 PM
The leaks mentioned to check for are air leaks, not fluid. Air leaks after the AFM will lean out the cylinder and the O2 will overcompensate causing a rich condition.

The leak down test will tell you if you are getting oil in the combistion chamber from the piston rings, valve seals, ect.