Engine revs up on its own then loses power and smoke coming from exhaust

1997 VOLKSWAGEN POLO
147,890 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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PASTOOR NEL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Make strange noise and make prrr prrr prrr and smoke come from exhaust in the morning. it starts and pick up revs automatically when you drive it it losing power.
Jun 26, 2020 at 8:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

The smoke that comes from the exhaust, can you tell me the color? Is it a white heavy smoke that looks like excessive steam?

If that is the case, chances are you have engine coolant entering the combustion chamber and burning with the fuel. This is likely the result of a bad head gasket.

Take a look through this link and let me know if it seems to mirror what you experience. It basically explains what to look for with a bad head gasket. As you page down, you will see where it talks about white smoke.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Let me know. Also, check to make sure the engine coolant isn't getting low.

Joe
Jun 27, 2020 at 12:19 PM
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