White smoke from exhaust - loosing coolant

[Scallytoes]

Hi, apologies for the length but want to be detailed. I have a 2014 2.0tdi at 94k and am experiencing white smoke from the exhaust when the car is up to temp (after approx 5 mins of driving) I’m loosing coolant, topping up prob every 7-10 days) No hesitation starting, no distinct loss of power, no engine mgt lights on. No mayo in the oil filler cap and no visible leaks that I can see anyway.

I booked it in with my mechanic and he stated there was nothing that points to a head gasket issue and had a chat with a vag friend who said it could be an issue with the inlet manifold, egr and or egr cooler but that would be a process of elimination after the car is dismantled kind of thing.

any clues yet??

I went online (like you do) and someone mentioned to check a fuse in the battery fuse compartment. Couldn’t see anything blown on the small removable fuses. On my way back in after a short drive my fan kicked in (this used to happen all the time and after-run but haven’t heard this for some time coming to think of it) anyway, shortly after my particulate filter light appeared. Normally I’d just take it out on the motorway to clear this but feel less inclined to do so while the car is poorly) 

No lights on the dash before the dpf light, no limp mode, no hesitation on startup or acceleration, no smoke on startup, no mayo in oil cap at a bit of a loss.

Really really hoping someone very clever recognises the above and says ‘I know exactly what this’ and hope that’s not just wishful thinking.

over to you guys….my 160k miles 8P seemed like a tank compared this 8V

Thank you so much for reading this far and racking your brains over this, eternally grateful 🙏 

[Steve Q]

I'd definitely consider the egr/egr cooler as the main cause with this. But you could get a pressure test done on the engine to be safe. 

 

[Scallytoes]

My mechanic did say he’d pressure test it so assume he’s done that to rule out the head gasket option. Looking at the symptoms you seem bang on the money, just hoping that solves the issue. Really appreciate and value your opinion and time so thank you will keep this thread alive and update for others too, now to price one up and get a price for fitting. 

[Scallytoes]

The other thing is… I’ve seen egr deletes and software remaps mentioned as an option rather than put a new egr / egr cooler on a car that’s already at 95k miles now??

[Steve Q]

7 hours ago, Scallytoes said:

My mechanic did say he’d pressure test it so assume he’s done that to rule out the head gasket option. Looking at the symptoms you seem bang on the money, just hoping that solves the issue. Really appreciate and value your opinion and time so thank you will keep this thread alive and update for others too, now to price one up and get a price for fitting. 

You're welcome, please keep us posted on how you get on 🙂 

Yes that's an option, but we're seeing more and more cars coming here with further issues after having dpf or egr deletes. 

[moghm]

Hi. So just bought an Audi A3 1.4 tfsi 2014. I am surprised at the amount to smoke/vapour thats being emitted. Bit scary. Coolant is just above min. its like a ploom of vapour that is emiited when I get to the top of the gear change and when I change to next gear (manual), then its gone, its not like its leaving a trail behind me in the way a diesel car would do, it swirls around the back of the car. Drove on motorway for 15 minutes and got off on A/B roads. Nothing then, clear. I am going to take it to a mechanic for piece of mind. Car has 64k, clean MOT through its life, cant see any leaks, oil is clear, has full service history, no warning lights, nothing an a cheap obd2, pulls well, MPG is good, etc. Any ideas ? Many thanks

[Scallytoes]

I’m in the process of sorting my a3 out, similar symptoms. Posted myself on here and I think another forum and kind people with more knowledge have advised, kind of confirmed it’s a problematic egr valve that’s leaking into the manifold and then being burnt. Mines not too problematic atm and had other priorities recently but looking to get it sorted soon. I noticed when it did need topping up with coolant the more I filled the worse it got so top it up to min level now. Planning on keeping the car so don’t mind spending even though it’s done 96k miles atm. Sounds like we’re in the same boat and many others out there, common issue with them apparently 

[Scallytoes]

Sometimes mid-diagnosed as head gasket failure, not saying it’s not (I’m no mechanic) but sounds familiar

[moghm]

10 minutes ago, Scallytoes said:

I’m in the process of sorting my a3 out, similar symptoms. Posted myself on here and I think another forum and kind people with more knowledge have advised, kind of confirmed it’s a problematic egr valve that’s leaking into the manifold and then being burnt. Mines not too problematic atm and had other priorities recently but looking to get it sorted soon. I noticed when it did need topping up with coolant the more I filled the worse it got so top it up to min level now. Planning on keeping the car so don’t mind spending even though it’s done 96k miles atm. Sounds like we’re in the same boat and many others out there, common issue with them apparently 

What is the Estimate for an EGR replacement (parts and labour), is this the same as an EGR cooler ? This problem is better than a head gasket right ? Many thanks

[Scallytoes]

Yeah same thing as far as I’m aware, apparently needs to come out but hard to get to as it’s right at the back and kind of hidden (would be wouldn’t it) so more about the labour charges. Mines on a 2014 plate too but a 2.0tdi. Apparently if you can get someone to bypass it that will confirm that’s the offending part. I was quoted around the 700 mark (not sure how competitive that is) have you just bought it? garage or private? Anyone please correct me on anything here as I’m kinda muddling through this issue too

[moghm]

1 minute ago, Scallytoes said:

Yeah same thing as far as I’m aware, apparently needs to come out but hard to get to as it’s right at the back and kind of hidden (would be wouldn’t it) so more about the labour charges. Mines on a 2014 plate too but a 2.0tdi. Apparently if you can get someone to bypass it that will confirm that’s the offending part. I was quoted around the 700 mark (not sure how competitive that is) have you just bought it? garage or private? Anyone please correct me on anything here as I’m kinda muddling through this issue too

Private. Always owned bms before this, not passing any judgement. A bit gutted

 

[Scallytoes]

Yeah it’s a bit naughty that, they had to have known to be honest. If you’re mechanically minded might be a diy job but looking at a couple of YouTube videos it’s beyond my skill set even though Ive just replaced a front rad and cooler for a friend.

[moghm]

Car booked in for Monday, could have done without this but thats how it goes

[Scallytoes]

Let us know how you get on please. Would be interested to know how what they say.