1.6 AEE engine code burning oil

[gazza1602]

Hi all, I was hoping someone is able to help me. I own a 1.6 mk3 with engine code AEE and it's now burning oil. There is blue smoke which is emitted even when running warm. I have read that it's possibly one of two problems. Either the valve stem seals are shot, or it's the piston rings. Does anyone know whether these could be fixed without too much hassle, e.g without having to totally strip the head gasket.

Would be great to hear from someone,

Thanks for reading,

Gaz.

[itavaltalainen]

when does it smoke blue? constant or after you lifted off and put it to the floor again?

[gazza1602]

It's now constant. Both on cold start and running warm.

[itavaltalainen]

how much has it done?

check compression (thou that might still be good if compression rings are ok)
what oil were/are you using, if always crap oil and short distances then rings can cake up....

you can fill valve tops with oil and see if that leaks out.... but to do that you'll need to take it half apart anyway (same as replacing them)....

stem seals are worth replacing (DIY with some assistance possible), piston rings not (need a garage to do them).

[gazza1602]

if you are referring to milage, it's done 97800 miles.

I am using Castrol 5W/30 fully synthetic oil.

when replacing stem seals, is it possible to do so by removing the head in one piece?

[GOLF-MK3-GTI]

Use 10W/40 Oil.