white smoke

lenweb · 07-01-17, 08:32 PM

Hi
I have a 2.8 coupe, engine code AAH. I'm no mechanic, so I'm after some advice.
There's a lot of white smoke on tick-over, yet oil & coolant levels seem OK.
Could anything else be causing this?
I've changed the oil and added valve additive, as the car had been stood for some time.
Any help would be appreciated.

vorsprung durch technik · 07-01-17, 09:25 PM

When you say "white smoke" do you mean literally white smoke which is completely different to steam. Which are you referring to?

lenweb · 07-01-17, 09:46 PM

Hi
Thanks for your reply.
Like I say, I'm no mechanic, but I would say it's a smoke, that varies in density. Even when I've driven the car a fair distance, as soon as you leave it on tick-over, the smoke re-appears. Could it be it just needs a really good run?
Cheers

vorsprung durch technik · 07-01-17, 09:52 PM

What your describing sounds the opposite to what i would expect especially at this time of year with these engines.It's normal for them to have steam wafting out but not normal what your describing. Why don't you try putting a cold plates against this white smoke and see if it condensates,if yes it's condensation from steam if not then sound like it could be oil burning.

lenweb · 07-01-17, 10:30 PM

Thanks very much for your advice. I'll give it a try tomorrow and let you know how I go on.
Cheers. Len

missfire · 07-01-17, 11:11 PM

Unburnt fuel if you're burning diesel in it.

head gaskets are made of cheese on these, but hope not, any steam cleaned spark plugs?

Isimmo · 07-01-17, 11:34 PM

Hmmm. just a quick observation, not knowing much about V6 2.8's but a reasonable amount about 20vT5pots, is it anything to do with the positive crankcase ventilation?

RetroAuto · 08-01-17, 09:48 AM

Brake fluid being drawn in via the servo?

sinbin5t · 08-01-17, 03:15 PM

Only white SMOKE i have ever had from a car was unburnt fuel, it just gradually got worse until the problem was fixed, ended up looking like fog behind the car on the motoway

4v6 · 08-01-17, 06:15 PM

Auto trans fluid and anti freeze give off white smoke when burned inside an engine I believe.

07-01-17, 11:34 PM	#7
Isimmo Super Moderator Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sissix-by-the-sea Posts: 15,218	Hmmm. just a quick observation, not knowing much about V6 2.8's but a reasonable amount about 20vT5pots, is it anything to do with the positive crankcase ventilation? __________________ 1985 WR quattro, 1985 20vT RallyRep, 1993 MTM ABY S2 Avant. 2010 S3 Sportback.

07-01-17, 09:25 PM	#2
vorsprung durch technik 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Near Watford. Posts: 7,753	When you say "white smoke" do you mean literally white smoke which is completely different to steam. Which are you referring to?

07-01-17, 09:46 PM	#3
lenweb Newbie! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 15	Hi Thanks for your reply. Like I say, I'm no mechanic, but I would say it's a smoke, that varies in density. Even when I've driven the car a fair distance, as soon as you leave it on tick-over, the smoke re-appears. Could it be it just needs a really good run? Cheers

07-01-17, 09:52 PM	#4
vorsprung durch technik 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Near Watford. Posts: 7,753	What your describing sounds the opposite to what i would expect especially at this time of year with these engines.It's normal for them to have steam wafting out but not normal what your describing. Why don't you try putting a cold plates against this white smoke and see if it condensates,if yes it's condensation from steam if not then sound like it could be oil burning.

07-01-17, 10:30 PM	#5
lenweb Newbie! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 15	Thanks very much for your advice. I'll give it a try tomorrow and let you know how I go on. Cheers. Len

07-01-17, 11:11 PM	#6
missfire making wooden things Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: cow land Posts: 8,154	Unburnt fuel if you're burning diesel in it. head gaskets are made of cheese on these, but hope not, any steam cleaned spark plugs?

08-01-17, 09:48 AM	#8
RetroAuto Grown up member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Telford Posts: 639	Brake fluid being drawn in via the servo?

08-01-17, 03:15 PM	#9
sinbin5t 4 ring whore! Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Where a spike points skywards Posts: 12,960	Only white SMOKE i have ever had from a car was unburnt fuel, it just gradually got worse until the problem was fixed, ended up looking like fog behind the car on the motoway

08-01-17, 06:15 PM	#10
4v6 Ex Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 5,565	Auto trans fluid and anti freeze give off white smoke when burned inside an engine I believe.