2002 Avensis 1.8 vvti - Chugging, white smoke, oil in spark plugs!!!

[Pauline767]

My car has 230,000 miles on the clock and when I first got it second hand at 50,000 miles it had the bottom of the engine replaced as a recalled part because it was eating oil and petrol. Since then I have had no problems with it, other than general wear and tear ie. exhaust, tyres etc. Last week It started jumping/chugging on start up and low gears and I noticed some white exhaust emissions. I thought it was because it was so damp, but when I lifted the bonnet I noticed the coolant was below the 'low' mark which has never happened before. I took it to a garage and thought it needed a service. They got as far as the spark plugs and informed me that they were coated in oil and thought there may be a problem with the head gasket. They changed the sparks so I could get it home (it was just a basic garage so they could not do anything else with it). I haven't moved it over Christmas but if I drive it will finish the engine off altogether or will I be able to do 50 miles in it to get to visit family and hopefully go around some garages and get a quote? Many thanks in advance.

[gazza1286]

There shouldn't be a problem. The main consideration is whether coolant is getting into the oil. If so then its lubricating properties will be comprimised.  Has the oil level increased? Is there any residue on the oil filler cap? If so you will need to drive gently. Oil on the plugs could be valve stem seals or worn rings. A failed head gasket would not clog all four plugs. Take some water and coolant with you (ethylene glycol mix will do) and stop half way and top-up the expansion bottle if necessary.

Be prepared to wave goodbye to the car - it sounds expensive..