Club 80-90 Forums

My T25 1.6 JX turbo diesel has been running well since we left Gibraltar in April, but, there is still a small amount of blue/hazy smoke during the first half hour of running after start up, especially when pulling up hill.

I have put Archoil in with the diesel which seemed to reduce almost stop the smoke problem. But on next fill up the hazy smoke returned, so I now add a 10ml of Fuel Set which does help solve the smoke problem.

Because I don't know the full history of the VW maybe the injectors need removal, cleaning and resetting ? Im not keen on doing this whilst on tour!? The cylinder head is aluminum I think !? And therefore the injectors maybe seized in place ? dont want to snap off an injector; major issues then!

Maybe valve guide sleeves are worn allowing some oil to pass ? Engine has only used about 1.5 ltr of oil since leaving Gib.

Any thoughts on this problem appreciated, but must keep this 1990 VW T25 Westfalia running till I return to the sun

There's a good ol' thread on brick-yard about the JX here:

The definitive smokey JX thread

It's not definitive but a good thorough starting point. You should also check the wiki

The Smoky Engine: It transpired that my turbo bearing was beginning to fail, consequently engine oil was passing/leaking through and into the supercharged air system which then was burning within the cylinders causing the blue/black smoke. It necessitated fitting a new Turbo Charger and (having driven 7,000 km) I decided to upgrade to a 1.9 AX Engine at the same time whilst in the UK.
It was a well calculated investment to do whilst in the UK because availability and expertise for this upgrade does not exist where I live (Gibraltar). The driving exoerience since the 1.9 upgrade has been fantastic
Please contact me if you need any further details of the upgrade and/or contact Keith or Amy at AW Engineering Darwen Ltd. They are a very specialized, professional, competent Company and a pleasure to do business with!

Regards and Happy campervaning

1990 Vanagon 1.9 AX Turbo diesel

That's interesting as mine is now smoking (same engine)
Did you consider having your original turbo re-worked or was it too far gone for that?


Jon