Passat woes.. white smoke but still runs well

[jockmonkey]

Hi everyone,

I have searched various forum threads but still can't put my finger on an exact problem with my car.

Its a 51/2001 130 PD (AWX) Engine code, done 130K miles, and has been running great. Bought with 100K on it,ex company car someone else had (had belts done) and has a FSH to date.

Last few days, has started to give out a trail of white smoke. On start up no big clouds, if idles for a minute or so gets worse. Seems worse through town, but wonder if that is because I am going slower, and hence smoke clouds take a bit longer to fade away (or i take longer to leave the scene!)

Slight oily burning smell, no big soot deposits. Car seems to be running fine apart from that (no major power losses) and hence although I fear my wallet will get a bashing, hopefully it isn't terminal, as the car is still great (and had lots of money and TLC on it recently). No big noises or rattles either. No muck apparent in collant or round oil cap

Oil consumption doesn't seem too high (e.g. hasn't really increased) and still getting reasonable 40+ mpg

So based upon what I have read here is it..

Turbo or seals on turbo?
Head Gasket gone?
Pipe, EGR or other associated things?

So any thoughts or comments would be appreciated, as I am slightly petrified as to what it is. Have to get it fixed soon as it is now embarrasing in traffic, and old bill will eventually ream me if they stop me!

[Crasher]

Any coolant loss?

[jockmonkey]

It's not absolutely full, e.g. up to the max mark, but still about 2/3 way up the header tank.

Wondered if that small amount was enough to signify Head gasket more than a turbo.

Only done about 50-60 miles with this problem..

jm

[Crasher]

Burning G12 has an unusual sickly sweet smell. Unfortunately it usually means a new head.

[jockmonkey]

Smell is certainly more of a burnt oil kind of smell, nothing I would call sickly..or sweet

I would hate to think I needed a new head (not me the car!) can't imagine that is much change out of a grand!

[Crasher]

A bare head is £950 inc. VAT plus labour and parts to remove, strip, clean, rebuild and refit so around £1300 worth of parts plus two days labour. A fully built exchange head ready to fit with cam, lifters, injectors (£2K worth alone), rockers etc etc is about £2420 inc. VAT.

[jockmonkey]

Oh boll#cks!

Fingers crossed once it goes in (have a mechanic looking at it Tuesday) I will know the extent of the full damage, hopefully a new head could be avoided..

I will see

Thanks

[Crasher]

Remind him that these heads must not be re-surfaced.

[jockmonkey]

Will do that.

Is there a reason why they can't be resurfaced?

Cheers

Jamie

[Crasher]

They don’t give a reason, the quote is simply “Reworking diesel cylinder heads is not permissible.” Part of it will be that the valves will move closer to the pistons unless the seats are machined back by the same amount.