VW Bora Loses Power with Smoke Due to Faulty PCV

Had similar symptoms on my VW Golf 1997 gasoline. The crankcase ventilation system failure caused rough idle and blue smoke from exhaust during acceleration. The maintenance revealed a completely clogged PCV valve and deteriorated hoses. The smoke occurs because engine oil gets pulled into the combustion chambers when the PCV system fails. This creates excessive pressure in the crankcase. The malfunction also causes unmetered air to enter the intake, leading to rich fuel mixture and power loss. The repair required: New PCV valve assembly, Replacement of all connected rubber hoses, Cleaning of intake manifold, Oil change due to contamination This was a serious issue requiring immediate attention as it can damage engine internals if left unchecked. The symptoms perfectly match PCV system failure. Main signs were: Blue/gray smoke from exhaust, Rough idle, Check engine light, Drop in power, Oil consumption Would recommend having it diagnosed and repaired by a certified VW specialist to ensure proper parts and procedures are used.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the PCV system repair. Your symptoms do sound exactly like what I dealt with. Was the total repair cost reasonable in the end? Just wondering since I need to get mine fixed and want to budget accordingly. Also curious if the idle and performance issues cleared up completely after the repair or if you noticed any other problems later?

Thanks for asking about the repair outcome. Since getting the Crankcase ventilation valve fixed by a certified mechanic, my Golf has been running perfectly. The idle smoothed out completely and performance returned to normal, no more frustrating power loss or smoke issues during acceleration. The total repair cost was 360€ which included parts and labor. This might seem steep but considering the comprehensive work needed to prevent future engine damage, it was worth the investment. The maintenance included replacing the valve assembly, all connected hoses and a full system cleaning to eliminate any oil residue that built up from the malfunction. No additional problems have surfaced in the months since the repair. The check engine light has stayed off and the engine runs clean without any smoke from the exhaust. Just make sure you use a qualified mechanic who knows VW systems, proper installation is crucial for preventing future leaks or ventilation issues.

I finally took my Bora to a certified VW shop after a while of hesitation. The ventilation system was indeed the culprit, just as you described. The smoke from the exhaust stopped immediately after they replaced the PCV valve and cleaned the entire system. The repair cost me 420€ total, a bit more than yours but included a thorough maintenance check of connected components. The mechanic showed me the old valve, it was completely clogged with oil residue causing the malfunction. What a relief to have normal power again and no more check engine warnings. The idle is smooth now and the engine runs like new. Should have fixed it sooner instead of worrying about finding the right shop. Sometimes paying a bit more for proper service is worth avoiding future headaches. Really appreciate your detailed help in identifying the issue. Having someone explain their similar experience made me more confident in getting it properly diagnosed and repaired.