Smokey engine: replace or recondition?

[Miami]

Hi Folks!

First up, great forum. Been lurking for a few weeks, this is my first post. Hope you can help keep my golf on the road.

I've got a '77 gls and recently it's been leaving bigger and bigger clouds of white smoke when i start up or pull away from the lights. I read somewhere it could be the valve stem seals? The motor still pulls well and doesn't smoke under acceleration.

As i don't have the skills / tools / space for an engine rebuild, should I:

Search around for a good secondhand engine ( i hear some Seat units slot in without out too much fuss)

Or should I bite the bullet and have the engine reconditioned. Anyone know a good place in Sydney?

Which would be cheaper / easier?

The whole car is totally original except for a 5 speed 'box and it's only done around 150K, but i'm not too worried about keeping the engine original.

Anyway, all thoughts / advice would be much appreciated,

Thanks a lot,
Miami

[gotrice]

Hey dude. I have a Mk3 2L 8v that was rebuilt 6,000 km ago that I can sell you if you want. It has a bit of a crazy cam and will bolt straight in. Email me if your interested.

eggers6@gmail.com

[Jmac]

Go the engine dude sound by the description its heavy blue and not white smoke mate there is a distinct difference with regards to engine problems.
White- coolant
Blue - Oil
Black - too much gas
Cheers but go the engine mate i reckon. Plenty out there and by the sounds the dude posting here has u sorted mate!

[Miami]

Thanks for the advice fellas.

Gotrice, I've sent you an email.

[hiho]

Ive got a spare GLD badge you could put on the back

[Oneofthegreats]

G'ady Miami 7 welcome to the world of VWW.

If it is only smoking with high manifold vacuum (crusing, on deceleration, going down a hill, sitting at light's for an extended period, starting up cold & hot etc.) & not using bugger all oil, I'd say it is the valve stem seal's.

Which will only require a cyl. head reco (a replacement engine is abit over the top). They will probably replace the valve guides too, as these are prone to wear out as well.

A good full head reco. off the street should be around $450 - $500 if you can remove & refit the cyl. head yourself.
If not, add labour which would be around another $600+ incl. part's.