Newer VW Gen3 engines with blue smoke?

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Sep 8, 2020
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I realize this topic has been discussed before but, I didn’t see anything super recent or exactly what I’m seeing - it’s been a common issue, at least to a point with newer Volskwagen 1.8T & 2.0T Gen3 engines that a buff of white/blue smoke is seen at startup, and sometimes also under heavy acceleration.

I have a 2019 Jetta GLI, 2.0T on an Integrated Engineering tune. Current mileage is 37k, I’ve noticed this happening since around 25k. Occasionally I’ll have the smoke on startup, and I often have it under heavy acceleration or when doing a pull. It’s not constant, it’ll be one large puff of smoke and then it’s over with.

Some seem to think it’s PCV, some say valve stem seals. My independent VW mechanic’s opinion is that it’s most likely either injector haze, or PCV, as he believes that if it was the valve stem seals, I’d have an oil burning problem as well, which I don’t.

My question is this - has there been a definitive answer as to whether it’s the valve seals, PCV, or something else entirely? Secondly, if we say it’s the valve stem seals, what is the risk if you continue driving? I’ve read some people have had the issue for 50k miles or longer with no adverse effects. Likewise, I’ve noticed it for 12k, and almost a year with no ill effects. It sounds like something that could be a major issue, but yet I haven’t found a single case of someone who’s engine has blown, or even suffered major damage from this.

FWIW, oil used is Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 (VW 504/507) every 5k. Dipstick level never drops below minimum in that timeframe, if it moves at all. Thanks gang!
 
I realize this topic has been discussed before but, I didn’t see anything super recent or exactly what I’m seeing - it’s been a common issue, at least to a point with newer Volskwagen 1.8T & 2.0T Gen3 engines that a buff of white/blue smoke is seen at startup, and sometimes also under heavy acceleration.

I have a 2019 Jetta GLI, 2.0T on an Integrated Engineering tune. Current mileage is 37k, I’ve noticed this happening since around 25k. Occasionally I’ll have the smoke on startup, and I often have it under heavy acceleration or when doing a pull. It’s not constant, it’ll be one large puff of smoke and then it’s over with.

Some seem to think it’s PCV, some say valve stem seals. My independent VW mechanic’s opinion is that it’s most likely either injector haze, or PCV, as he believes that if it was the valve stem seals, I’d have an oil burning problem as well, which I don’t.

My question is this - has there been a definitive answer as to whether it’s the valve seals, PCV, or something else entirely? Secondly, if we say it’s the valve stem seals, what is the risk if you continue driving? I’ve read some people have had the issue for 50k miles or longer with no adverse effects. Likewise, I’ve noticed it for 12k, and almost a year with no ill effects. It sounds like something that could be a major issue, but yet I haven’t found a single case of someone who’s engine has blown, or even suffered major damage from this.

FWIW, oil used is Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 (VW 504/507) every 5k. Dipstick level never drops below minimum in that timeframe, if it moves at all. Thanks gang!
I know that many turbocharged vehicles add in more fuel under load as to not go lean when boost is added.
 
Let oil consumption be your gauge; low or no consumption, means no real problem.

This thread does highlight the ongoing VW reliability quirks they present. Modern vehicles that are working well don't smoke, period. Yet another example, reminding me, to not buy VW.
 
I would focus on the PCV - what revision/part no. PCV do you have? The PCV is v. easy to change and may be worth a shot for a parts-cannon attempt - about $150 I believe. Just make sure you get whatever the lastest revision is for your car. When you say one big puff like how big? You could drive forever with a valve stem seal that leaks a little, no real issue beyond oil consumption and the smoke. Typically I think of valve stem seals causing the start up smoke, not the WOT smoke. Are you postive this isn't normal exhaust condensation? You are also are v. low miles - the EA888.3 is a v. robust engine regularly holding 500hp on stock internals. It's why my gen 3 1.8 at 110K/6 years is running 375hp with basic bolt-on hardware and a tune is doing track time without any drama...show me another engine that can do that...they are v. stout but like any manufacturer, are not without issues. I've read a bit online about this valve stem seal issue on the 2.0s, what do the VW forums/FB groups have to say?
 
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"every 5k. Dipstick level never drops below minimum in that timeframe"

So were talking about less than a quart in 5K miles? I would not even worry about that at all if that has a 5 - 6 quart oil capacity.
 
"every 5k. Dipstick level never drops below minimum in that timeframe"

So were talking about less than a quart in 5K miles? I would not even worry about that at all if that has a 5 - 6 quart oil capacity.
Thing is, the gen3 2.0 shoudn't be really using any oil in that time so if you are losing the dip stick level over 5K, it very well may be valve stem seals.
 
Go buy a Civic Si and be happy.

I already own a Civic w/1.5T engine. Mostly good, other than fuel dilution, and everyone telling me the head gasket is going to blow!

Fuel dilution is easy to overcome with frequent oil changes. Head gasket blowing? Not common with the Civic, but it Can, and Has, happened. Not overly worried, though. My bigger concern, is the A/C system...
 
The wife's EA888.3 had mild consumption. Cured with a new PCV at 106k. Not sure that I ever saw any smoke. Per my maintenance notes, I was typically adding roughly a quart over an average interval of 8,000mi.
 
Let oil consumption be your gauge; low or no consumption, means no real problem.

This thread does highlight the ongoing VW reliability quirks they present. Modern vehicles that are working well don't smoke, period. Yet another example, reminding me, to not buy VW.
I already own a Civic w/1.5T engine. Mostly good, other than fuel dilution, and everyone telling me the head gasket is going to blow!

Fuel dilution is easy to overcome with frequent oil changes. Head gasket blowing? Not common with the Civic, but it Can, and Has, happened. Not overly worried, though. My bigger concern, is the A/C system...
Classic. Has concerns with VW, then is ok with the excessive fuel dilution from a Honda. Can't make that up. I'll put it in your terms - Modern vehicles that are working well shouldn't have major fuel dilution, period. My 1.8 VW doesn't and it's >2x stock power @26psi of boost nor does it have any notable oil consumption, smoking, etc.
 
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Classic. Has concerns with VW, then is ok with the excessive fuel dilution from a Honda. Can't make that up. I'll put it in your terms - Modern vehicles that are working well shouldn't have major fuel dilution, period. My 1.8 VW doesn't and it's >2x stock power nor does it have any notable oil consumption, smoking, etc.

VW cars have a horrible reputation for durability and quality. Leaking water pumps is as common for VW people, as the sun rising in the east.

Changing the oil in my Civic every 6 months, or 5k miles, is not a problem in my world. Every time I check the GTI & GLI forums, though, guys are fighting serious issues.

Screenshot 2025-01-04 142659.webp

Screenshot 2025-01-04 142537.webp
 
I already own a Civic w/1.5T engine. Mostly good, other than fuel dilution, and everyone telling me the head gasket is going to blow!

Fuel dilution is easy to overcome with frequent oil changes. Head gasket blowing? Not common with the Civic, but it Can, and Has, happened. Not overly worried, though. My bigger concern, is the A/C system...
Nah go get new Toyota 3.4TT You will be happier.
 
VW cars have a horrible reputation for durability and quality. Leaking water pumps is as common for VW people, as the sun rising in the east.

Changing the oil in my Civic every 6 months, or 5k miles, is not a problem in my world. Every time I check the GTI & GLI forums, though, guys are fighting serious issues.

View attachment 257383
View attachment 257385
How many VW cars you had?
 
VW cars have a horrible reputation for durability and quality. Leaking water pumps is as common for VW people, as the sun rising in the east.

Changing the oil in my Civic every 6 months, or 5k miles, is not a problem in my world. Every time I check the GTI & GLI forums, though, guys are fighting serious issues.
Your Honda has an issue that you admit you are ok with/deal with. I don't consider what I've read about the 1.5's dilution to be minor. I am aware of VW's reliability ratings. Between my wife and I we've had 7 over the last 30 years. None have been particularly unreliable or expensive to own and repairs on those cars to be normal w/r to cost/intervals. I realize not everyone has that experience (clearly by the reliability ratings). We've also had 3 Hondas over that time, allo were good vehicles but my Odyssey was the most repair-intensive/costly vehicle I've ever owned. Lowest cost/most "reliable"? My Ford Focus. Considered unreliable by many including CR. Go figure. Enjoy your Honda, I like my VWs and don't feel the need to trash brands on BITOG anytime someone posts an issue with a particular vehicle b/c I can assure you...they all have them. MK7 VWs with the EA888.3 have been on the whole, v. stout and reliable engines without lots of drama. Using online forums as a gauge for issues...your Honda is in the same boat if I go looking. The biggest achilles of all German cars seems to be the cooling systems.
 
Classic. Has concerns with VW, then is ok with the excessive fuel dilution from a Honda. Can't make that up. I'll put it in your terms - Modern vehicles that are working well shouldn't have major fuel dilution, period. My 1.8 VW doesn't and it's >2x stock power @26psi of boost nor does it have any notable oil consumption, smoking, etc.
Honda we have swallowed so far probably $4-5000 over Tiguan and BMW combined.
And it is probably most uncomfortable vehicle to drive.
 
I realize this topic has been discussed before but, I didn’t see anything super recent or exactly what I’m seeing - it’s been a common issue, at least to a point with newer Volskwagen 1.8T & 2.0T Gen3 engines that a buff of white/blue smoke is seen at startup, and sometimes also under heavy acceleration.

I have a 2019 Jetta GLI, 2.0T on an Integrated Engineering tune. Current mileage is 37k, I’ve noticed this happening since around 25k. Occasionally I’ll have the smoke on startup, and I often have it under heavy acceleration or when doing a pull. It’s not constant, it’ll be one large puff of smoke and then it’s over with.

Some seem to think it’s PCV, some say valve stem seals. My independent VW mechanic’s opinion is that it’s most likely either injector haze, or PCV, as he believes that if it was the valve stem seals, I’d have an oil burning problem as well, which I don’t.

My question is this - has there been a definitive answer as to whether it’s the valve seals, PCV, or something else entirely? Secondly, if we say it’s the valve stem seals, what is the risk if you continue driving? I’ve read some people have had the issue for 50k miles or longer with no adverse effects. Likewise, I’ve noticed it for 12k, and almost a year with no ill effects. It sounds like something that could be a major issue, but yet I haven’t found a single case of someone who’s engine has blown, or even suffered major damage from this.

FWIW, oil used is Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 (VW 504/507) every 5k. Dipstick level never drops below minimum in that timeframe, if it moves at all. Thanks gang!
Fwiw, my 94 540i has done that (a little blue smoke after cold start, if sitting a while) and it has never used oil. I am told that it is normal because the PCV system accumulates a little oil in the intake manifold and burns it off at start up. If you are not using oil between changes, I wouldn’t sweat it. The VW four cylinder turbos are generally good engines, yours may be doing the same type of thing.

I would tell you this - I am not a big fan of tunes. Today, factory motors come with very refined states of tune that optimize power, driveability, and reliability. If you really want more power, you need to do a lot more than a simple tune to do it properly. That may be the issue you are experiencing. Good luck with it.
 
Classic. Has concerns with VW, then is ok with the excessive fuel dilution from a Honda. Can't make that up. I'll put it in your terms - Modern vehicles that are working well shouldn't have major fuel dilution, period. My 1.8 VW doesn't and it's >2x stock power @26psi of boost nor does it have any notable oil consumption, smoking, etc.
VW had less fuel dilution in DI engines in 2003 than Honda in 1.5T.
 
Honda reliability is no better than any other mass market brand - it is not what it was 25 years ago. I say that having owned three Hondas over the years, each one worse reliability wise. There was no comparison between our 4Runner - body fits perfect, no issues in 8 or 9 years - and the Pilot my wife traded a few years ago. I don’t think they are bad cars but reliability is not a reason to buy them relative to other brands.
 
Honda reliability is no better than any other mass market brand - it is not what it was 25 years ago. I say that having owned three Hondas over the years, each one worse reliability wise. There was no comparison between our 4Runner - body fits perfect, no issues in 8 or 9 years - and the Pilot my wife traded a few years ago. I don’t think they are bad cars but reliability is not a reason to buy them relative to other brands.
Except Kia / Hyundai. I would not touch an ICE one with a 100 ft pole.
 
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