mk3 8v gti, list of problems goes on n on :(

[off_the_cuff]

So i bought a mk3 8v gti but i didnt realise how much crap it needed done :S
It takes a few turns to get it started but it eventually starts.
Once its goin the oil light flashes on the dash and the engine sounds like a transit van!
theres a big hole in manifold behind the engine big enough to fill engine bay with smoke so im assuming thats y it sound like a van lol.
the biggest problem tho is that the things like a freakin smoke machine :s the amount of smoke that comes out of the exhaust is unreal
pure white smoke and its constant, any ideas what it could be? iv got the chance of a 16v engine for £150. should i js swap it?
any info would be apprecited.

[Sprakie2008]

Sounds to me like your spark plugs are on the way out if you ask me, either that or your cylinders are down on pressure! have you checked your oil level aswell?

[gasketface]

16v is'nt a straight swap,it's quite a lot of work.

Sounds like head gasket,cracked head etc.why not just get another 8v engine,they are not dear.

[mattrobinson1982]

Where are you based? Got an agg engine here with just over 100k on it. Ran spot on, yours for £60 and a doddle to swap!

[off_the_cuff]

it had alot done to it before i bought it, it had New plugs and leads, distribitor cap and arm, distributor, air filter, coil pack, oil filter.
it was sitting un moved for a couple of months before i bought it lol.
im in the highlands of scotland. i would buy the engine but dont know how i would get itlol

[off_the_cuff]

how do i tell if the head is cracked?

[Wayne]

Start with the basics, get the compression tested as a 1st step.

[dan_apps]

whats the condition of the oil? milky by chance?...

[off_the_cuff]

no the oil is as clean as a whislte lol think one of the pipes for the oil is blocked so im going to check and clean everything just now and il update on how i get on

[off_the_cuff]

ok so was cleaning the engine bits n bobs and found my air intake hose had oil in it, is the maf supposed to be black? i tried cleaning it anyway lol how do i get the plastic circle off of the top of the engine without breaking it?
theres also good compression on cylinders but dont think much oil is getting to the top of the engine :S
i took some vids il upload them now. engine sounds like a transit because of the hole in manifold