Engine Issues?

[xraycer2012]

Hey everyone. I think I might have some issues with my 2.8 30v engine. It seems to run fine but lately, I've noticed white smoke coming out of my exhaust. At first I thought that it was only when I started it up, however, the other day after I came home (about 30mins of around the town type driving) I revved the engine a little bit ~3200rpm before I turned it off to see if it would still smoke and it did. So I'm guessing it does it all the time now. Also, after I washed my car and my new exhaust tips, I noticed after a little driving, that there was a trail of what looked like black liquid running out the bottom of the tips, when I wiped a little with my finger it was dry and like soot. I left it and looked at the tips today and now after about another 30 mins of driving the whole inside of the tip is blackened. I just got a new catback exhaust about two weeks ago so maybe that has something to do with the sooty stuff on the tips, but maybe not, and what about that white smoke? I'm assuming that's the product of coolant burning. I'm getting worried that something is really wrong with my engine, not to mention my dad is freaking out about it, which isn't helping, but then again, he freaks out about a bug on his car so I can't really go by him.

Edit: forgot to mention, the thing drinks oil too. It feels like I'm always putting oil in it. The weird thing though, is that I have never noticed blue smoke coming out the exhaust so I don't think it's burning oil. Where the hell would it all be going?

[CycloSteve]

As you noted normally white smoke = burning coolant. What you might also notice is an odd sweet smell to the exhaust, not the normal fuel stench. If that is the case, then you could have a blown headgasket. Do a compession check / leakdown check to be sure. Another pointer would be if there is any water in the oil, or vice-verse.

With the soot in the exhaust, is it black and dry as in carbon, or oily? If just carbon, then you are running rich. To figure that out it is best to run a VAG on the car and see if you are indeed running rich (trims). Normally that would make a black smoke, but perhaps it is not so visible unless you are moving.

As you do not see any bluish-white smoke it is not too likely that you have a problem with bad rings, valve stem seals, etc. where oil consumption is the issue.

Where else is the oil going? Check to see if you have any obvious leaks. Our 2.8's are notorious for having leaks from the valve covers, main seals, etc...had all of mine replaced recently and made a huge difference.