A3 Blue Smoke Problem...

[christinho]

Hi all, just wandering if you could help us out with a problem i've been having with my 1.6 '97 Audi A3..

Since about a month ago, whenever it has to sit in traffic for about 20 mins+, it chucks out a thick haze of blue smoke when I pull away; whether or on I put my foot down or just ease it. There's also quite a bit of black sludge coming out of the exhaust.

As long as the car is moving, it's fine, it's just when it has to sit for a while...

If somebody could tell me what might be causing this i'd appreciate it.

Cheers guys

 

[Boydie]

Doesnt blue smoke indicate oil problems or head gasket?

There is a separate 8L forum for your car which would probably be more usefull to you!

 

[Twizzler]

This is a classic symptom of valve stem seal failure.

 

[christinho]

Sorry, I didn't realise there were two seperate forums!

I kinda feared it might be the valve seals or piston rings, big job either way. I'm guessing the heads got to come off completely or is it possible to do it with it intact?

 

[Twizzler]

Remove the head. You will need to give the valve seats attention too.
Piston seal failure is characterised by blue smoke when revving the engine.