029-3SE215hp

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.

029-3SE215hp

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.