Audi a3 1.6 petrol

[Jon 711e]

Hi everyone I’m new to this I have an Audi a3 1.6 petrol 2005 sprtback it’s got 84000 on clock . Ok the problem is this when I drive with the heater on full on the car . The car is fine . If I turn the heater off or run the heater on low cold the car starts to smoke a smells of burning oil . Nobody seems to know the answer as the temp gage stays bang in the middle even when smoking . The engine dosent over heat . The radiator fill is clear and dosent use water . I’ve just bought some ristone ring seal to see if that helps . Bacically I thought after changing all the oviouse . Plugs plug leads radiator the list goes on . I’d give this a try . I think the engine needs a rebuild and re ringing but at only 84000 . Not good !!! Put the heater in hot at high it dosent smoke at all . Shame as it’s in fantastic condition . My question is do you think the ring seal will help . Otherwise il get rid of it . Thanks an also compression test was fine too on all 4 cylinders . The rings are letting oil threw to the cat a smoking I think wen on hot the heater is acting as a radiator . I know they are the worse engine but they are reliable . Thank you for your help jon

 

[cliffcoggin]

It sounds like you have one of the notorious oil guzzling engines with badly designed pistons and rings that were made for a few years. Many solutions have been tried over time, but the only realistic option is to have re-designed pistons and rings fitted, an extremely expensive option as I doubt Audi will do the work under warranty after 20 years. If you bought it from a dealer in the last 30 days take it back for a refund.

[daveyboy1967]

I had exactly the same problem with my '04 1.6 A3, unfortunately I didn't get to the bottom of it before the gearbox destroyed itself. I suspect it was head gasket related. Do you have any creamy residue under the oil filler cap, mine was beginning to show signs of this.

[Jon 711e]

Hey thanks for reply no no signs of this at all . But I think it’s what the guy above said a bad engine with bad sealing and piston rings . Il try this rislone piston ring stuff an if that dosent help

its going thanks guys 

[Magnet]

I have a 2006 1.6 A3 which is now on c178K miles. Oil is changed annually and over 5k/annum doesn’t burn oil. 
As I understand it, the ‘skinny piston rings’ issue didn’t start until around 2008/9 so I’d be surprised if that is the issue. 
What colour is the smoke, and how much oil does it use in say 500 miles. 
What is the service history like on the car, and how long have you owned it? 
Using your Rislone? Never seen the stuff, and certainly wouldn’t use if before you answer the above questions. 

[Jon 711e]

Hey thanks for reply no no signs of this at all . But I think it’s what the guy above said a bad engine with bad sealing and piston rings . Anyway as I said above it burns oil badly but only if the heater is turned off or put to cold . The smoke is a white oily smell that comes out . I have had the car 8 years an has been fine and regular serviced . I’ve tried everything and even garages arnt sure but from my experience it needs re ringing . It’s an early 2005 model . Head gasket is fine no pollution in water tried all the usual . But just so supprised it’s like this at a genuine 84000 miles . I’ve had cars do twice that with no problems . Thanks for the advice though

[Magnet]

Ok. White smoke rather than blue would suggest water being burned.
Does this car have an oil cooler by any chance? 

Does the temperature gauge reading alter - even just a little - when the heater is switched on? 
There are two questions which were asked, but you haven’t answered:-

How much oil does this car use.? Please quantify - x litres in x miles. 
How often has the car been serviced during your 8 year ownership, and when was it last serviced?

Regards, Gareth.

p.s. ‘The guy above’ - his name is Clifford. 
What is your name ‘Jon 711e’ and where is your location  in the U.K.?