Turbo

[shabzy]

Hi all
I have a 99 1.8T passat, was told by a mechanic that the white smoke and loss of oil at an alarming rate was the Turbo.I have managed to source one, still don't really know if it fits, but its very oily, dirty, is it worth cleaning? and what with? thanks:confused:

[½cwt]

Oil smoke is usually blue, white indicates a water content i.e. steam. Check and see if your oil has any white mayonaise like residue in it, if so I'd suggest that the head gasket is the problem. Otherwise, has teh car lsot performance and is there a 'vacuum cleaner' type noise when accelerating? If so that may well be the turbo.

As regards cleaning the turbo, I'd suggest using use brake cleaner.

[cazyp]

As said, white smoke = water vapour. Blue smoke = oil. Black smoke = fuel.

You can buy turbo cleaning fluid/kits. Search/Google.

As above any oil in the water? Any water in the oil?

Why are youy unsure if the turbo fits?

How much oil are you losing?

Any leaks you can see?

Is the turbo still working?

Have you changed the oil regularly? - common oil pick up fault evidently with this engine.

Does it smoke on start up/under load/shut down etc etc?

[martin1810]

If the turbo seals go you will get LOTS of smoke that looks pretty black even though it is oil.
White smoke is unburnt diesel but white mist is steam i.e water. Put your and hand near it, you will soon know if it is wet. Only test when the engine has run a few miles so that you know any steam is not condensation in the exhaust. Hold a white rag near the end of the exhaust. If you are burning lots of oil it will feel oily.