SO I am aware that white smoke is usually the symptom of a leaking head Gasket however I don't believe this is the case b/c this is usually accompanied while driving or idling. MY 98 A4 1.8t generates white smoke from the exhaust when it's been sitting for a few hours and you first start it, then it stops after 10 to 30 sec and runs normally.

Think it may be my rubber valve stem seals? anyone have any input or have had this problem before?

 

What does it smell like?

 

it's oil for sure, also my coolant res doesn't change while I'm needing to add oil every few weeks

 

Well w/e is going on with it it had a huge malfunction today, the check engine light started flashing and the car shook really bad and felt like it was going to kill, no smoke so i know its not a head gasket....I'm so lost here?

 

Flashing CEL means the engine was misfiring. Pull the codes and post and hope we get more than just misfire codes.

 

Valve cover gasket?? oil might have leaked from there causing your plugs to fowl causing the misfire?? Just taking a stab. hopefully someone chimes in to confirm or shoot me down.

 

^+1 thats my guess.

 

Me too ^

 

Ended up being a bad coil pack, as well my ignition control module fried, only had the cash for those two parts i know i should replace all the coils but what can i do? so many things wrong with my car now i still have to get the valve seals done, fix my passenger side airbag igniter then driver side heater element and driver side mirror is melting itself...the burden of owning a b5.... :/

 

I'm having very similar problems. How did you come to the conclusion that those were the parts you needed? Just curious, so i can see if that may solve my problems.