And then there was smoke.....

Driving my intermeccanicca last week and felt that something was funny. Stopped the car, ran into the dry cleaner and when I restarted the car it started but wasn't running correctly. Backed-up and there was no pressure (obviously not running right) pulled into a parking lot and the engine started smoking badly. Tow-truck was called after that. I am thinking that I blew a ring but would like some input from the experts.

im a shade tree mechanic but it sounds like a compression test is in order.

Well need additional information i.e what color smoke, engine miss, noises ? Could be as simple as a clogged idle jet (black smoke)

Many a VW engine has bit the dust when #3 exhaust valve breaks off. The valve stem often stretches before it com[pletely breaks. Removing valve covers often reveals a valve out of adjustment -- just befor it breaks. Breaking off is bad as it takes the head and piston and often spreads metal piece via oil thru the engine. Hope its a plugged jet or spark plug wire loose.

I once a lot of light blue smoke and the engine started running really rough - pulled over turned the engine off and could smell gas, couldn't see anything wrong. Limped home carefully and checked everything out.

Problem was a sticking needle in the carb on the #3/4 side. Replaced the needle and seat from a rebuild kit, everything was ok.

I still don't understand how there was so much smoke.

Also replaced the fuel pump.

Whenever I'm asked about smoke color I don't feel like I get it right. I think it was a light blue/grey smoke. Don't recall any noise when it happened, but did feel something in the way we were running change (maybe I just sensed it). Immediately after I started back up after 5 or 10 minutes it felt as if one or two pistons weren't firing properly after about 30 seconds I limped into the parking lot and that was when there was the smoke.

Exactly what happened to me.

Did you smell gas?

Michael, we need a little more info. Does the engine start and run easily? At idle is it rough or just when you rev it up? Any new sounds you can describe? What size is the engine and what carburetors do you have? Does it rev well in neutral but bog under load? And please post some pics of your car!