2003 Volkswagen Golf Grey Smoke on start up

2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
55,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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MICHAELHAYEN
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I had a problem with my car blowing grey smoke and running a bit rough every day on start up. it happened only first thing in the morning. The head gasket was chemical tested just to be sure and all of the thermostats etc were replaced.

However, it is still doing it, but now only every 3-5 days.

I have a feeling that the mechanic may not have used the right oil when he topped it up at the same time as doing the repair. It also seems to be going through oil. Could this be the reason the smoke continues?

Is there any reason smoke would only happen every few days? Surely if it was leaking valve seals it would happen every morning?
Apr 12, 2009 at 6:57 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Have the mechanic perform a dry and wet compression tests to include a cylinder leakdown test
Apr 12, 2009 at 8:20 PM
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MICHAELHAYEN
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Thanks for the advice ... I guess you think the rings may be going? Can you explain why this would only happen every few days though?
Apr 13, 2009 at 1:36 AM
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RASMATAZ
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If its the rings you'll see it while the engine is running. Blue smoke is what you gonna be seeing.
Apr 13, 2009 at 3:52 PM
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MICHAELHAYEN
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Have taken it back to the mechanic this morning. When I started it, it kept stalling real bad, blew out a tonne of black/grey smoke and left a pool of unburnt fuel on the grage floor where the exhaust was.
Apr 14, 2009 at 2:14 AM
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RASMATAZ
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The engine is running too rich of a mixture
Apr 14, 2009 at 3:34 PM
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