Hello to all.

I have a 2002 9-3 Se with a unique (at least to me) problem. The vehicle runs poorly and has oil being pushed up the dipstick tube. I assumed blow by from cracked pistons or rings but compression is correct across the cylinders.

I tried disconnecting some of the poorly designed crankcase vent hoses while running and now there is smoke coming from the whole in the valve cover.

I am now thinking:
bad turbo
plugged oil trap
clogged cat

Any ideas or previous experiences will be of great help. I would rather not tear this thing down unless I have too. Sludge does not look to be an issue with this car. 72k and dealer maintained. Thanks for any and all replies.

 

UPDATE

The car has blow by due to bad rings on cylinder 1.

I am thinking I had a false compression reading because there was oil stuck in the cylinder, raising the reading.

Upon dis-assembly, I found that the oil rings were seized in the piston because of sludge, and the bottom compression ring was actually broken. (See pic)

I now plan to hone the cylinder out and replace the entire piston and ring assembly with a used one from off of the shelf, (I have two parts motors).

I was thinking of going B204 pistons because I hear they are stronger. Any ideas or things I should look out for. Thanks.