Just came back for running errands only to be greeted by a new oil spot (oil pan has a leak too) on the garage floor.
I feared the can had been leaking because it was full. Fortunately that wasn't the case- it looks like it was leaking around the brass fittings. I emptied it and probably got 2-3oz out of the can. I'm not sure if this is unusual because I can't remember the last time I looked at it with any seriousness. I have been making a lot of boosted runs lately - with peaks as high as 17psi and falling. Probably equal to a solid 15psi run for 3500 rpm every time I datalog for tuning. Based on experiences from other (turbo Mx5s) owners, they do see oil accumulation over a track weekend of a few oz. So I'm hesitant to panic, but that's hard not to do given this is my first turbo project. I'll probably do a compression check for my own sanity (as usual). Comments from those using a can for an extended period with higher boost?
Only a small bit of oil actually made it into the intake. No visible residue at the compressor intake. BUT this definitely brings to light the disadvantage of plumbing the breather back to the intake - if you get excessive crankcase pressure for some reason, it's going to pump oil into your intake, turbo, intercooler and possibly into the manifold. And it's not necessary, only ecologically responsible.
I think this might also reveal a couple of issues with my can - no packing/filter material to catch the oil, and small passages at the brass fittings (whatever 1/4" brass fitting ID is ~3/16" maybe). That's a big drop from the diameter of the OE breather bung on the cam cover. Thoughts/comments? - rob
**Just pulled the plugs and they all look normal, coolant is clear. Would have done a compression check but my gauge won't "peak and hold"
. I suspect what I'm seeing is normal.