Sudden blue smoke and power loss during a hill climb is often an indication
of a melted piston. The coolant loss indicates a problem that may have
contributed to the failure. Melted pistons are usually caused by a
piston/ring problem, engine lugging-overload, a lean cylinder or over
advanced ignition timing. It was probably knocking and pinging before the
failure although the pinging may not have been heard. Good luck with this.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Bruce Todd
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2011 4:43 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Ohh those VW gods...billowing blue smoke.

So I just finished climbing a short hill and felt the power of the 2.1 in my
Westy decline slightly...a heard a honk and then saw people from the
sidewalk staring.  I glanced out the rear view mirror and there was a very
large cloud of bluish smoke behind me.  I quickly pulled over and turned the
ignition off.  Nothing leaking - oil or water but the coolant refill tank
was bone dry - previously at the max level a few days ago when I checked.
The smoke smelled of burning oil.

I quickly restarted the motor just top see if I could see or hear anything.
Motor sounded fine but was blowing blue.  The temp guage was fine throughout
this ordeal.  Anyway just about to get her flat bedded to a shop for repair.

Theories, thoughts, words of wisdom?

BT

Freshly painted 86 Syncro Westy.