Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo Occasional Smoking Issue

[umair.mehboob]

Hello folks,

I recently purchased a 2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo and have noticed an occasional smoke issue. The smoke appears inconsistently—sometimes when idling and other times when cruising at around 20-30 km/h. I took it to a mechanic, who observed some play in the turbo compressor wheel and assured me that this is normal for a tuned Honda Civic 1.5. He indicated that it shouldn't lead to any major issues.

However, I’ve been checking the oil level every morning on a cold start and have noticed a slight decrease on the dipstick. I'm wondering if it's safe to top off the oil periodically or if I should consider replacing the turbo. Currently, I’m not experiencing any noticeable performance issues, but I am concerned about the oil level. I'm using Proficar 0W-20. Any advice would be appreciated!

[dani_kk]

Hi, have you got your turbo cleaned? Catayltic system cleaned? Pcv system cleaned? As in turbo cars you've to take care of all of these things. Oil feed lines sometimes develop sludge not allowing turbo oil feed out resulting in oil staying inside turbo and puffing smoke slightly.

So you need to get the service done and likewise at that time you can consolidate whether your car needs turbo replacement or what's the issue.

[Proverbial_Slang]

You haven't mentioned complete details. Your mechanic mentioned "tuned" Civic? Is your Civic modified or remapped?

[umair.mehboob]

I don't know if it was modified or remapped but this was the only thing which was informed by the mechanic.

[umair.mehboob]

Yes, I had done the general tuning on the very first day of purchase. Following things were performed:

1- Oil flushed with Honda 10-30 with flamingo flush
2- Proficar 0-20 oil with oil filter
3- Cat cleaning
4- Plug testing
5- Changed CVT oil (Honda oil) and filter was also changed
6- Turbo cleaning (found a play in outer compressor fan and mechanic told me that the turbo will be replaced in future)
7- Air filter was replaced.

[Proverbial_Slang]

If the turbo has free play, it needs to be replaced. It is most probably a leaking turbo issue.