White Smoke Coming From Under The Hood

[Jsamsab]

I have been having this issue for a while now where intermittent white smoke will starting coming out from under the hood when I stop at traffic lights or pull over. Most of the time the smoke is not consistent/heavy enough to show the source when the hood is opened as the smoke dissipates quickly.

A couple of other things:
-It normally happens after driving for longer than 20 minutes
-It can happen almost immediately when driving
-It seems to happen early if the AC/Heater are used
-Once the smoke was heavy enough to notice it coming from around the vacuum pump at the top of the engine
-The engine does not overheat
-There is a burning smell coming from the engine at most times when the car is on

Is this oil leaking on the exhaust or is this exhaust fumes in the hood? how can I trouble shoot the issues?

(Amarok 4MOT CDCA TDI 2012)

[Lucas_R]

Probably coolant from the water pump. Leaking water pumps are extremely common on basically every VW engine.

If it was oil you would know it as it has a very distinctive and strong smell and the smoke would be blue/grey in colour.

So if it smells like steam with a bit of a twist then it will be your coolant.

[Hillbilly]

Could also be a bust radiator like I had once or a hose with a crack in it

[Jsamsab]

Thanks for the replies, I thought it could be coolant, however I haven't noticed any coolant drop in a long time now.


Is there any reason why the aircon/heater system might make it occur sooner?

Could it be something wrong with the turbo?

[Jsamsab]

Exhaust smoke is coming from around the vacuum pump and the EGR cooler.

Has anyone had problems with a leaking EGR cooler?

What about engine blow by and the installation of a catchcan?

[Lucas_R]

Sounds like you are up for a new EGR cooler, or perhaps an EGR delete kit. EGR issues are pretty common on the 4cyl TDI Amaroks.

Link to helpful post

EGR delete kit VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK 2.0L EGR DELETE KIT 4WD Intercooler + Turbo Kits

And another one - a bit cheaper Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 TDi EGR Cooler Delete Kit blanking plates bypass block off - Euro Car Performance & Electronics Upgrades[gal]/2/

2.0TDI Engine - EGR cooler failures

Catch cans are always a very good idea on modern diesel engines. Have a look at Western Filters who do a kit for the Amarok. Volkswagen Amarok 2010-on 2.0L Turbo Diesel BITDI - Provent Oil Catch Can Kit OS-PROV-28 - Western Filters

[Lucas_R]

Or you could DIY a fix

[err404]

Hi there mate. Were you able to figure out what this problem was? I have exactly the same issue.

[Raminho]

Olá, cara. Você conseguiu descobrir qual era esse problema? Eu tenho exatamente o mesmo problema.

Hello, I have the same problem, did you manage to solve it?

[lloydus67]

No one has replied, but as Lucas said it’s almost certainly the egr. Delete and blank it off. I believe that you need software intervention for this option.


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