MOT fail. Blue smoke nightmare.

[benmanc]

So, my car failed the MOT yesterday.

Rust/corroded under a few points of the car at the seatbelt anchorages which will cost around £200 to weld/repair.

Rackend needs sorting £75.

Those two things i'm fine with paying for and getting repaired... but it also failed for 'Exhaust emits dense blue smoke during acceleration'.

Took it back up to garage today to investigate and they said its valve stem seals and will cost £700 for a repair. Thats presuming more stuff doesn't need fixing once its all opened up.

I have read a ton of threads on this and been online a while but want to get some thoughts and opinions?

Likely will take it to a VAG specialist for second opinion to make sure but appreciate any input here too.

I was hoping it would be turbo seals or something as was going to go hybrid anyway. If it is valve stem seals then i'll likely get another golf to put my bits on rather than replacing the engine even though they are cheap, because I need work doing anyway plus mine has a few bits that need sorting anyway so would be a good chance to jump ship. But want to make sure etc.

I have only really noticed it smoking when its warm when I accelerate from standstill. Not too sure on other symptoms without investigating etc

NIGHTMARE. 

[mike1990]

Does the blue smoke appear on a cold start up like for example when its left overnight?

[benmanc]

Dont think so. Will check in morning. I started earlier after it was sat for 3 hours and couldnt see any at all. Then checked again a few hours later and nothing. Seems to be when warm but will investigate further

[Gti_Jamo]

Stem seals nearly always smoke on start up. Smoke on acceleration would usually be a problem with bores/rings or turbo seals.

A compression test would be useful. As would inspecting the condition of the spark plugs while they are out. Also pull off the oil cap and give it a rev to see if any excess pressure is in there as that would indicate a bore/ring problem.

What checks did the garage do to diagnose worn stem seals?

[benmanc]

I think they mainly seen what it was doing and when it was smoking etc. Didn't fully ask.

I think I need somebody who knows what they are doing to take a look.

I'm in Manchester.. any recommendations of where to go or anybody to help me out?

Happy to pay for somebody or a specialist garage to take a look as its going to cost £££ whatever route I take so I want to be sure of problem first

[Wazzzer]

Stem seals are not a nice job apparently, not sure if they can be done with the head on the car like old Ford CVHs could...

Anyways you definitely need a second opinion or at least come clarification on how they came to that conclusion. Just looking at the smoke isn't a good way, like Jamo says stem seals weep oil past the valve stems which gives a puff of smoke on startup after leaving it for a while and also when idling/driving

[benmanc]

UPDATE: Had a little see when its doing and it didn't smoke at all on start up. And couldn't really see anything with a few revs.

Its really when the engine has warmed up and I can see bits coming out at idle but then its mainly worse when revving and accelerating after its been idling for a minute or so.

Some of the smoke did look a bit blue a bit white at times with a few bits of black so not sure if that confuses things but again, any input greatly appreciated.

Will try get a second opinion for sure still but a lot of knowledgable guys on here too

[Wazzzer]

One thing you need to do first really is a compression test as it may be rings/bore wear. Compression gauges are easy to use, they just go in place of your spark plug and then just crank the engine over (without the other coils being connected)

This will also give you a chance to see just how much oil is on the plugs, you could also shine a light down the hole to see if you can see any oil or water forming on the piston crown

[benmanc]

Would that help tell me if its stem seals too?

[gazareth]

what part manc you in?