1.9 tdi blue ish smoke on start up only

[Wicky]

Hi guys the old girl is running fine and goes like the proverbial of a shovel considering her age mileage etc. My only current worry is on start up she smokes slightly blueish smoke for a few seconds until she's revved then is fine. I've got a horrible suspicion that may be head gasket but unsure before I make any decisions on what is best to do with her does anyone know what it may actually be or how much more she's going to cost me? 

Thanks in advance aaron

[Magnet]

Petrol or diesel Aaron?

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Wicky]

Hi she's the 1.9 turbo diesel 130 bhp version 

[Magnet]

Thanks Aaron,

I’m not sure I follow your logic of suspecting it might be due to a head gasket failure, unless you are losing coolant or have coolant in the oil or vice versa. Could you let us know if it does. 
Blue smoke is indicative of engine oil being burnt, and likely not to have anything to do with any head gasket issues. 
The dear car is getting on a bit, and sounds like it may have covered an average mileage, but the symptom and it’s duration would not suggest anything major it terminal, based on age and anticipated mileage. 
I have a pal who has had the same issue for years with a relatively low mileage Citroen diesel, and nothing untoward has happened with that over that time. 
Having said that, it might be worth looking at the engine breather system to ensure all is reasonably well there, then just keep looking after the car and don’t go tearing anything major apart! 
Kind regards,

Gareth. 
 

 

[Wicky]

Gareth that sounds like better news. I heard from an older gentleman it may have something to do with head gasket but from what you are saying not likely. There hasn't been any missing coolant which is nice. The engine is generally quite oily I think I may have a minor leak somewhere but she still has plenty in her. With 175k on the clock and a 53 plate she's no spring chicken but she has been looked after with new discs and pads all round 2 new calipers and a proper service in last few months I've owned her so cost me a fair few bob. Hoping I can keep her running well for a few years yet. I won't be tearing anything apart atm need to degrease her properly and find the leak to start with. 

Thanks aaron

[Magnet]

Sounds good Aaron, but there’s always a ‘but’!
In this case, an ‘older gentleman’ suspects the head gasket, then along comes a probably ‘older, older gentleman’ ( some time since I’ve been addressed as a gentleman) and says he doesn’t think it is! 
I would still suggest my earlier course of action. 
Good luck and kind regards,

Gareth. 

[Wicky]

Thanks for all you're help and guidance will start poking around tomorrow and let you know how I get on.