Smoker, but how bad?

[Maltloaf]

Hi Guys hope someone could help?

I have just got a mk2 8v gti, and it smokes when it is up to temp, but only on idle.

The water temp stays normal, about mid way and the oil temp (according to the trip computer thingy) runs around 98 Deg. I have done a compression test and each of the cylinders seemed fine, around 14bar.

Is there still a chance it is the oil rings or could it be the stem seals?

Is it easy to change the oil rings? This engine looks easy enough to work on but I am not sure if it will be easier to get a second hand engine.

Thanks in advance

Matt B.

gotta love the mk2 gti its sound...

[golfvr6]

Your compression is quite high, should be 10-13 bar. Does the engine drink lots of oil, if it does then all the evidence points to worn out valve stem oil seals.

[modulater]

whats the smoke like when your on the over run?

Normally the valve guides show up as puffing smoke out of the exhaust after changing gear or going up hill. I suppose if to far gone then they will be leaking oil in constantly.

[Maltloaf]

Thanks guys!

I thought the compression seemed a little too high for an engine thats done 100K+. I think I will try another compression tester.

It is going to be a long week. The heads coming off tonight, and the money spending has begun.  

[golfvr6]

I suspect the reason the compression is so high is oil is leaking past the stem seals. This means you will still get a good seal in the combustion chamber, but when the valves open , oil will get in.