Volkswagen Golf II (1983 - 1992) - 1990 1.3 - Smoke from oil filler cap | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Thu 27 Mar 2008 15:54

1990 1.3 - Smoke from oil filler cap - franco

I took the filler cap off for the first time in ages yesterday due to a bit of a smell of burning oil I get through the heater, and noticed the oil is now a dark black colour and there seems to be a little bit of smoke coming out. Is a certain amount of smoke normal?

I haven't changed the oil for over 2 years, partly due to the fact I use the car as a runaround and have barely done 5,000 miles in it. There is a bit of a smell I get through the heater, but this might be down to an oil leak in the engine compartment (I can't remember the name of the part it is coming from, but I was told by an MOT testrer it is not dangerous and just to keep an eye on the oil level which hasn't gone down.)

It does not worry me too much driving around town, but I'm due to be doing some motorway driving so am a bit paranoid.

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 27/03/2008 at 18:37

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Thu 27 Mar 2008 18:48

1990 1.3 - Smoke from oil filler cap - mfarrow

The smoke is blow-by gases resulting from wear caused by contaminated engine oil and age.

The engine oil is black because it is contaminated. Short runs contaminate the oil more than motorway driving (condensation, unburnt fuel etc), and it thence needs changing more regularly.

Get an oil and filter change, and you'll be fine.

How many miles has it done?

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Thu 27 Mar 2008 19:07

1990 1.3 - Smoke from oil filler cap - franco

In that case I think the cold weather must make things even worse. I often do short runs where I don't even get to put the choke in before I reach my destination. It's done 108,000 miles. Cheers for the advice, I'll get that done.

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