Car using oil...help please

  1. Infrequent Poster Joined: May 2010 Halifax Posts: 107 Silver Mk2 Vts.
    #1
    Hi - Right I have a w reg vts with 47,000 miles on the clock.

    Its been using oil for a while, its not really getting any worse as far as I can tell but its enough to make me worry slightly (about a liter every couple of months) plus there is abit of smoke from the exhaust, could this be a sign of the head gasket on its way out?

    Its not using any water.

    Is there any checks I can have done to check the head gasket?

    Thanks in advance.
  2. Newbie Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 9
    #2
    Check your water/oil for contamination. If either looks like grey-ish ice-cream then it could mean the head gasket is on its way or you've got a cracked/warped head.
  3. Infrequent Poster Joined: May 2010 Halifax Posts: 107 Silver Mk2 Vts.
    #3
    Sorry I should have said that, there is no creamy gunk in the water or in the engine.
  4. Infrequent Poster Joined: Oct 2010 Bridgend Posts: 231 VTS 2002 - well the Mrs does
    #4
    If you are puffing smoke, especially blue, then you have engine woes. Likely to be worn piston rings and severely worn valve guides. Get a compression test done.
  5. Infrequent Poster Joined: May 2010 Halifax Posts: 107 Silver Mk2 Vts.
    #5
    The smokes white to be honest but it smells of burning oil It dosent seem to be down on power though, it very strange?!
  6. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini
    #6
    sounds to me like stem seals, i would check by removing the exhaust manifold and get a light inside the head and have a look and see if the seals are ok (you can also feel inside the head with your finger and it shouldnt be oily it should just be dusty), if they are ok then check the inlet stem seals using the same method. always check the exhaust ones first as they are more likely to go

    if not the your issues will be as burger feet suggested, look into valve guides or possibly rings etc
  7. Newbie Joined: Oct 2010 Posts: 2
    #7
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by gaz4399 View Post
    sounds to me like stem seals, i would check by removing the exhaust manifold and get a light inside the head and have a look and see if the seals are ok (you can also feel inside the head with your finger and it shouldnt be oily it should just be dusty), if they are ok then check the inlet stem seals using the same method. always check the exhaust ones first as they are more likely to go

    if not the your issues will be as burger feet suggested, look into valve guides or possibly rings etc
    +1... valve stem seals. Go down a hill. take foot of power and out of gear so builds vaccum. At bottom of hill.. put it in gear put your foot down. if u get blue smoke... then defo sign of the seals
  8. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jul 2007 Chester Posts: 2850 1275 mini
    #8
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by LilReg2010 View Post
    +1... valve stem seals. Go down a hill. take foot of power and out of gear so builds vaccum. At bottom of hill.. put it in gear put your foot down. if u get blue smoke... then defo sign of the seals
    ive never heard of this method before, but wouldnt this method only work if the exhaust stem seals are gone?

    plus im unsure if this method would work if the seals are leaking very small amounts, i may be wrong though
  9. Infrequent Poster Joined: May 2010 Halifax Posts: 107 Silver Mk2 Vts.
    #9
    Thanks for you replies and advice guys, much appreciated