2017 Outback periodically blows large cloud of grey-dark grey smoke when started.

[Labradog13]

Have noticed large cloud of smoke several times in the last couple of months when started after sitting overnight. Car has about 88,000 gently driven miles. Serviced regularly at a dealership. Has this happened to anyone else and does anyone have any idea re: cause? Thanks

 

[Dick Foster]

Could be caused by oil leaking past worn rings while it's parked. Burning oil will destroy a cat in pretty short order so don't ignore it for long.
Then again, in cold weather there's a lot of moisture to deal with when a car cold starts.

 

[Labradog13]

Could be caused by oil leaking past worn rings while it's parked. Burning oil will destroy a cat in pretty short order so don't ignore it for long.
Then again, in cold weather there's a lot of moisture to deal with when a car cold starts.

Starts were done in warm weather in the last couple of months. Would there be a change in the oil level over time that I could see on the dipstick? Car was recently serviced but I think smoke was pre and post oil change. What is the testing process to determine if the rings are failing? Thanks!

 

[Dick Foster]

The best test is a compression leak down test. It helps identify and helps sort out lots of problems, if the mechanic knows what he's doing. Like a more complicated compression test on steroids. However, since it's recent and occurred just after an oil change you might just double check the dip stick and watch it for a while.

 

[Labradog13]

The best test is a compression leak down test. It helps identify and helps sort out lots of problems, if the mechanic knows what he's doing. Like a more complicated compression test on steroids. However, since it's recent and occurred just after an oil change you might just double check the dip stick and watch it for a while.

I'm taking it to a local, recommended Subaru repair shop tomorrow. I think this has been going on for a while. I noticed the smoke clouds a couple of times and thought it was condensation as the car had been sitting for a few days. Then after a 900 mile road trip at high speeds, I noticed it again and there was no doubt something was going on. Hopefully, I haven't fried something permanently or expensively. Thanks!!

 

[Labradog13]

The best test is a compression leak down test. It helps identify and helps sort out lots of problems, if the mechanic knows what he's doing. Like a more complicated compression test on steroids. However, since it's recent and occurred just after an oil change you might just double check the dip stick and watch it for a while.

Oil rings are bad. He said I could go for a couple of years by just topping up the oil every thousand miles or so and then have them done. Decided to do it now. Do I have another ring replacement in my future after the next 87000 miles?

 

[Dick Foster]

Oil rings are bad. He said I could go for a couple of years by just topping up the oil every thousand miles or so and then have them done. Decided to do it now. Do I have another ring replacement in my future after the next 87000 miles?

Since the heads are coming off anyway and with that many miles on the clock it would be money well spent to do a top overhaul. This is rings and valves but nothing in the bottom end, like crank and piston bearings.

The one thing is to be very sure the mechanic knows what he's doing and does the job exactly right. The parts need to go back into the engine exactly where they came from and in the same orientation. If not, you'll be looking at a major full overhaul or engine replacement. I've had it happen once. It was a dealership and it cost them a new engine.

Dealership mechanics simply aren't very competent these days and few are qualified enough to be doing engine rebuild work. They are just there to sell parts, mostly. Most are glorified oil changers or just one step above. They are told what to do by a book and are slaves to the clock.

Better to find a really good competent independent shop who takes pride in their work or else look into an engine swap.

 

[Labradog13]

Found a good, recommended, independent shop. I've lost faith in the dealerships after getting bombarded with "recommendations" for services I don't need. Tired of being hustled.

Is this common, to have the oil rings fail at 85,000 miles? I bought a Sube based on Consumer Reports review and recommendations from friends. Nobody mentioned this. I knew they had a problem with head gaskets but according to my reading and confirmed by this new mechanic, that has been resolved.

 

[Dick Foster]

Found a good, recommended, independent shop. I've lost faith in the dealerships after getting bombarded with "recommendations" for services I don't need. Tired of being hustled.

Is this common, to have the oil rings fail at 85,000 miles? I bought a Sube based on Consumer Reports review and recommendations from friends. Nobody mentioned this. I knew they had a problem with head gaskets but according to my reading and confirmed by this new mechanic, that has been resolved.

I would not know. My experience was with a Toyota truck and was caused by a poorly designed TRD super charger kit.

 

[bmart]

I have had exclusively Subarus for 25 years. Never had or known anyone who needed rings...or much of anything beyond normal maintenance.

 

[Labradog13]

That was my expectation based on conversations with Subaru owners over the years. Was very surprised to see the clouds of smoke. Planning to talk to the mechanic today and ask if this is a common problem and also reach out to Subaru and ask them.

 

[bmart]

My guess would be bad/lack of maintenance.

 

[Labradog13]

Had its routine servicing done per the owner's manual at 2 dealerships in Portland. Never had any problems that were reported to me. Was serviced approximately 4-8 weeks prior to the smoking.

 

[bmart]

The person who touched it last probably broke it. What did they do?

 

[Labradog13]

The person who touched it last probably broke it. What did they do?

That was my guess too. I don't have the documents in front of me, but it was simple stuff like an oil change, cabin and air filter change, new front brake pads. My sister sent me some info about ongoing problems with oil scraper rings. This was a problem in an earlier generation of the engine, rings were redesigned for the current generation engine that I have but it may be that they are still having problems with it. I'm going to do some research and see if there's a class action suit. Also going to talk to the mechanic and see if he knows of anything. That's my project for today.

 

[Dick Foster]

They could have overfill when the did the oil change. In some ways, over filling is worse than under filling. Double check the oil level, if you haven't already.

 

[Labradog13]

They could have overfill when the did the oil change. In some ways, over filling is worse than under filling. Double check the oil level, if you haven't already.

Engine is already being dismantled to have the rings replaced. I don't trust the dealership to do good work and their prices are ridiculous. Having an independent Subaru mechanic do it. Comes highly recommended.

 

[bmart]

Maybe your new guy can tell you what went wrong. Get it in writing.

 

[Labradog13]

That's the plan. Debating whether to sell the car after repairs. Based on some of the online reading that I'm doing, this becomes an ongoing problem. However, these comments may all relate to the earlier generation motor. I'm going to have a serious talk with the mechanic and get his opinion on whether to keep/sell. Would hate to sell it because I like it and I can carry lots of stuff in it. Don't really want an SUV.

 

[Train Dan]

Don't really want an SUV.

Yeah, a tall station wagon makes infinitely more sense.
How were the records of previous maintenance conveyed to you? Where did you buy your car?
Dan