White smoke from engine bay and exhaust

TJ PACK

MEMBER
2000 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
300,000 MILES

My car has been going through about three quarts of oil approximately every week maybe a little longer. And upon starting engine smoke comes from engine bay as well as exhaust and does not quit ones warmed up. I am also missing exhaust from catalytic converter back. My cooling globe loses very little antifreeze but it is loosing it. Do not seem to have lost in combustion other than missing exhaust parts causing me to take off with higher rpm's because it misses on take off a little. Also due to exhaust it backfires if throttle is not consistent to keep from sucking in air. Any thoughts on where to start with smoke issues would be appreciated! I am also told backfire can cause it to jump time?

4 Replies

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,066 POSTS

Oil burning could be a bad PCV system but with the mileage you have and losing coolant as well I would install a lower mileage used engine. Backfires are not good, that and you saying it misses a bit also point to timing issues.
You could spend the money to redo the timing, new head gasket and probably new rings and bearings, or opt for a used engine for less money.

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Monday, October 16th, 2017 AT 8:26 PM

TJ PACK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Aye Steve, I appreciate the information. Which one would you suggest a engine swap or rebuild. I am looking for the cheapest solution but would rather spend a little more if it is going to save me in the long run. Just looking for a estimate of parts minus labor.

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Monday, October 16th, 2017 AT 8:44 PM

TJ PACK

MEMBER
3 POSTS

And is there any way I could verify it is definitely that before I go buy one or the other? I really cannot afford a shops diagnosis right now.

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Monday, October 16th, 2017 AT 8:49 PM

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,066 POSTS

Well you could run a compression check, and a pressure test on the cooling system.
White smoke is usually coolant but with the oil yours is using?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

A rebuild on a worn engine will cost as much and usually more than a used engine. Especially if you end up needing machine work done. If you have a you-pull-it type yard around you can save a lot just be 100% sure of what engine and trans you have and what you need. One of the local Y-P-I yards here sells complete engines for under $200.00.

Or hunt around for a wrecked/rotted parts car. Strip the pieces you need and sell off any good parts online.

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Monday, October 16th, 2017 AT 10:45 PM