TDI Engine: Troubleshooting & Solutions

Since today, my Passat TDI is acting up. 1Z, manufactured in 1995. This morning, I started the engine, and suddenly it started smoking for about 1 minute, like a fog machine. Afterwards, it ran without any problems. After the oil change (which was due), the engine ran normally, but then, when I was driving home, the engine suddenly revved up to 5000 RPM (with a huge white cloud of smoke) and wouldn't turn off with the key; I had to stall it. This happened 3-4 times. When I drive, it emits white smoke during the ride. After 10 minutes, it runs without any problems, doesn't smoke, and has full power. It doesn't have any water loss.
Does anyone have any advice?

Zwewwel wrote:

The engine suddenly revved up to 5000 RPM (with a huge cloud of white smoke) and wouldn't turn off with the key;

I had to stall it.
Actually, this is the classic symptom of a diesel engine that's burning engine oil.
So the question is, how does this stuff get into the intake manifold? Often, the turbocharger is the source (unfortunately, because it's an expensive repair).

Hi,

Who performed the oil change? With a TDI, it's easy to make a mistake if you give it gas immediately after starting it up. In that case, the turbocharger will spin up without being lubricated, which could be the cause of what Ulf is describing.

I definitely wouldn't drive it anymore until the issue is resolved. Be glad that it only reached 5000 [RPM], and nothing worse happened.

Best regards,

Jan.

The problem occurred even before the oil change. I performed the oil change myself and let the engine idle until the warning light went off.
'We can't detect any oil leaks, and we replaced the turbocharger this morning with a spare one. However, it's still smoking.'