Club 80-90 Forums

Hi have a old diesel turbo 1.9 done 150000 which sits around in the garden most the year goes really well when warmed up but produces vast amounts of white smoke till its warm when it clears. I suspect the valve oil seals are gone. I have to take it for a mot soon and am afriad it will fail the emissions Has anyone any tips on how to reduce the smoke without having to buy a new engine! eg additives any good? thanks dave

Found this on http://www.difflock.com/diesel/troubleshooting.shtml


White smoke usually occurs when there is not enough temperature to burn the fuel. The unburned fuel particles are then exhausted usually by a rich fuel smell. In cold weather it is not uncommon to get white smoke until engine temperature builds up. One cause of white smoke on engine start up could be faulty glow plugs or glow plug system. Low engine cranking speed can also create an excessive amount of white smoke.

If the problem persists after the engine is up to operating temperature several other things should be checked. A faulty injector can cause white smoke. Timing is often a factor when white smoke is excessive. Low engine compression can cause the problem and the injection pump can also have problems that result in white smoke. Air in the fuel system can also result in white smoke.

Hi thanks for the reply. Was thinking of replacing the glow plugs so will give that a try.Once it reaches normal operating temp its fine. thanks dave

Make sure its hot when you take it for test and book an appiontment so you can wait while the test is done. Not a fix but when warnm you say it is o.k so take it when its warm and it shouldn.y be a problem.

Fill up with biodiesel before the MOT - worked for me a couple of weeks back and I was dreading the emissions test!

..and as others have said, give the van a good run so you take it in with the engine hot.

Barney