My new 1.6td smokes...a lot!

[dan1980]

Hi,

I've just this week bought my first t3. A 1990 1.6td whitestar, it's done 81,000 miles and has had a recon engine put in 10,000 miles (2 years) ago.

Generally I'm very pleased with the bus, however at night, looking through the rear view mirror when there is a car behind me, it appears as if there is LOADS of smoke (black I tink) coming out of the exhaust, both while accelerating and maintaing a constant speed. During the day time I can't see any, this is how come I didn't notice any when I took it for a test drive prior to buying it (plus I think I was buying with my heart rather than my head!).

It's starts and idles with no trouble and no smoke. It seems to have plenty of power (relatively ) and will happily cruise at 75mph with a bit of power in reserve.

Throttling it from the engine bay under no load (so I can have a good look at what is coming out of the exhaust) I've noticed it will increase and maintain RPM with little or no smoke, but black smoke appears when I let the throttle go.

When I bought the bus it had been standing since Christmas, but I've covered over 100 miles since I've had it and the smoke is still as bad.

I've changed the oil, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter, but no joy.

Looking around the forum I've found lots of useful information which seems to suggest it could be one or more of the following things:

incorrrect fuelling, too rich
incorrect pump timing, too retaraded??
tappets need adjusting
low turbo boost

I was wondering if anybody would be able to narrow it down for me from the discription I have given, or suggest an an order to check these things, bearing in mind the engine was reconditioned and installed buy a garage only 10,00miles ago and I assume they knew what they were doing.

I've read that you can make small trial and error adjustment to the pump timing by hand without a diesel timing kit, would it be worth giving this a go before buying the kit?

Lastly if all else fails can anyone recommend a decent local garage, I spend my time between Cardiff and Norwich depending on where I'm, working, so either areas will do

I know this post has been a bit long winded but I figured I'd give as much information as possible.

Many thanks

Dan

[Rozzo]

i wouldn't worry m8 if you can't see the smoke in daylight hours. if turbo boost was low it'd smoke all the time i reckon.
someone may have tweaked it a little for extra ooomph but if it starts and runs ok i'd just drive it.

[hammy44]

put some redex fuel treatment in it to clean the system only a 5 spot but will clean injectors line etc

[simoncummins]

If your engine smokes you will see it in the day light. I had a dodge diesel with a side exaust and driving at night in the head lamps of other cars it seemed to pour out smoke but never in the day light and it never used any oil so after worrying about for months i just put it down to the way head lamps reflect the exaust fumes so i say nout to worry about just enjoy your van. Simon.

[airhead]

Yeah I recently upped the fuelling on my 1.6 engine and at night it does look very smokey too, but in general its fine, so Im not worried. If its pulling well and sounds good then it should be fine.

[HarryMann]

If its not black and sooty in daytime, or using tons of fuel, then its not too bad then. Just make sure its not blue or white smoke

[Horza]

If it's really invisible during the day then what you are seeing is prolly jus water vapour and the like and is normal and expected.

The only way you'll be dead sure is if you get someone else to rev it while your behind and you can see it and smell it and feel it with your fingers. You could also see if you can follow in another vehicle if you think it only does it on slight hills at 30mph or somesuch.

[dan1980]

Yeah I guess the best idea is to get someone to follow me to see how bad it really is rather than messing around with it when there could be nothing wrong.