i have a 87 t2 with 94,000 miles and when i start it up it runs real rough and shakes with an idle around like 3k and usually stalls out. there is barely enough power to make it move when i do give it gas. theres white smoke pouring from around the turbo area and then most of it goes underneath and out the back. i check for shaft play and there was none. maybe some of you with experience could give me some ideas. also i heard there were problems with the fuel system before i owned it and it does have a fuel pump switch. thanks for the help.

 

have you done a comprssion check.
When mine shuddered i had broken apex seals

 

im gonna do that soon thanks though, anymore thoughts anyone ?

 

Has the car done this the whole time you've owned it?

It sounds like the turbo is leaking oil or coolant. You may want to check to see if any fluids leak out while the car is idling when warmed up, if you can get it to idle.

 

also could be a exhaust leak from were the downpipe meets the back of the turbo