Hey Folks !

I have 2018 Explorer Sport w/ 36K on the odo. Only premium gasoline and full-synthetic oil during lifespan.
I mentioned it starts blowing blue smoke on the cold start (for a few seconds) - then smoke disappears and replaced w/ water steam.
That's obviously burning oil. I did not have to add oil between services (honestly I think they put extra during service ...).
Tail pipes are in soot, looks like some soot is normal for turbos - but that's why it's hard to say when it burns extra.
Please see the video with engine startup, you'll the smoke on 15 - 17 sec.

I recently moved to WA and so far have an awful experience w/ local Ford service (I not going to name that place).
So I asked them to check the "blue smoke" issue and left them car for a night to let start it at morning time. It was a service time anyways.
They hold the car for 30 hours, and returned it in terrible condition (I realized that when brought it home and opened hood) - all in oil spots, broken vacuum hose brackets and loose intake hoses.

They said they found nothing ...
But since they left loose intake pipes I did double-check them myself, and found them oiled inside (see picture).

My biggest concern is read turbo outlet is in oil. I'm not sure it should blow it, and how much. I would expect to see those pipes clean.
Secondary, since there's oil in the intake it may deposits in the intercooler, on the intake valves and basically everywhere else and obviously can't be just removed out there.

Anyone familiar with those issues ? Are you see the same on your cars ?
Any adequate Ford service you can advice in WA (Seattle/Bellevue) area ?

TIA

 

There were some issues with oil accumulation in the intercooler. That might explain the unusual amount of oil in the intercooler and intake system hence the blue smoke on start up.

 

Hi hanky@

Well, yes, but that's a relatively new can with a good (I hope) care.
I'm wondering if any of 2018 Explorer Sport owners can confirm they do have or not the same issue, so I can narrow this to only my car problem before it's too late to recover it.

 

This can be a more obvious example: https://photos.app.goo.gl/DVRNkVfqcUzukAyh9
My impression it's very bad.
Anyone saw that ? If not - please respond as well.
Thoughts ?

 

bad PCV valve and or gasket.. Simple fix. I noticed my wifes 2018 sport doing this at startup one morning, usually after sitting at idle with the AC running. she told me. Day before she had done a zoom job interview but had to drive into town to get a decent internet signal. So sat in vehicle. She told me it does it waiting in line for ferry.
Any way, was low mileage and under warranty, dropped off vehicle and they had to order part, so went back and they fixed it while we ate lunch.
Service bulletin out on the pre 2019 3.5 Eco boosts. any dealer service dept should know about the issue, go report excessive oil consumption and blue smoke at startup after idling.

 

@Dropdeadfred,
Thanks, for reply. I can't even explain what kind of mess happening with Ford services in WA/Bellevue area ... I'll write a separate story on that. That's worse it.
It took for me an incredible efforts to prove car making a smoke. They could not even start it at morning and point theirs eyes onto tailpipes ... so frustrating. I still do not have a confirmation on the paper.
Managers saying me - that may be mine and only mine car problem - and ... ready ? - it could be "absolutely normal" ... I'm so frustrated. No idea how to escalate.
Here is another video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/B4o3RGRpXC2oukbe7

I'm afraid those people not capable doing things.
Today they changed tires with THIRD ... f&$king 3rd attempt. They lost a cap, did not balance one wheel and put directional tire backwards on another one ... HOW THAT EVEN POSSIBLE !!??

I going to drive 2K miles next few days will monitor oil level.
BTW,
I have this now


How much that acceptable to have above top level ? This is above top, right ?
Could those ppl add extra there by mistake ? ... I know the answer, but anyways.

Thanks.

 

Without offering up any excuses, Good techs are very difficult to find and hold on to.
That said, the tech might have been restricted by higher up as to what they would allow. AND, maybe they had the car washer do the work on your vehicle.
So as you can see, it is not all just one problem and what you might try is another service dept. Hopefully you will find one that wants to keep you as a potential customer.

 

I didnt read all the post above but I do remember coming across this issue and a different approach to a solutions involving the PVC valve issue.

It appears to be an internal issue on the turbo where the vacuum, oil and gasses internally circulate and suck oil into the turbo and intake.... which you can by pass this by adding some type of catch can before/after the PCV valve as its sucking the oil from inside the motor.

Heres a PDF that tells you how to make/install or configure one for the 3.5 & 2.7 L's
https://www.mcnallyelectronics.com/a..._3.5L-2.7L.pdf
or click the link PVC Oil Catch Can

Of course you can find them pre-made on amazon and other sites but here is a fair Blog about the topic
https://www.stratifiedauto.com/blog/...nd-catch-cans/
Catch Can Blogg

Or Google Turbo PVC oil Catch Cans to your hearts desire!

Hope it helps!

Bob

 

This link offers a fairly good animaton of the catch can (before and after) to the above.
https://blog.modbargains.com/turbo-c...oil-catch-can/

But one last thought..... it could be in the programming/calibrations as pressures are taken from the crank case and the intake. But I am betting its starving to suck some air and might just need a cold air intake mod along with the catch can if you have some $$$ to spare.

 

Hi, I just ran across this thread searching for the same issue your having. Mine started smoking after idling 15 minutes, today it smoked out my garage after starting it. Took it to dealer the other day and said that the oil was high and it needed an oil change. Ok. so oil changed and still happening. I was looking to see what you found or what happened???