smokey puffs

[muddyjames]

When I start the disco even with pre heaters (now I have them working again) the disco gives a short puff of white smoke for the first 30 seconds or so. This is every time I start even from warm.

Also when I sit at a roundabout etc for 30seconds or more then boot it to pull away I leave a small cloud of white smoke again. Doesnt smoke whilst going along except when it is doing 300rpm in 3rd (auto box) it gives a very small amount of black smoke.

Is there anything to be worried about or is it the signs of a fuel pump tweek as the engine used to be a police one?

[Les Henson]

White smoke is unburnt fuel (you'll easily be able to smell it).
This could be a timing problem (retarded), or injector/injector pump problem.

Could also be steam, are you losing any water?

Les.

[muddyjames]

Im not loosing much water. Only a tiny amount over a long time.

When starting it sounds like it is on 3 cylinders and it burbles along then it all fires up properly. Could be a glow plug gone I guess?

If it is injector that doesnt sound good nor does timing.

[muddydisco]

Check the head gasket they are prone for blowing out on no 4 cylinder at the rear

[muddyjames]

there is no oily goo in the oil top up cap or in the water though. how else could i test 4 cylinder?

[Les Henson]

There are several ways a head gasket can blow - oil/water mix is just one of them. They can blow cylinder to cylinder, cylinder to outside, cylinder to sump (via the pushrod apertures), oil leak, water leak, cylinder to water jacket. If a cylinder blows to the outside, then you will hear it (a distinct chuffing noise). Running your hand around the head/block join will find it.
Cylinder to cylinder causes a significant power loss as the cylinders share compression. A compression test is the quickest way of determining compression loss in a particular cylinder.


Les.

[nzoliver]

there is no oily goo in the oil top up cap or in the water though. how else could i test 4 cylinder?

Here in NZ we will get a leak down test done. Much like a compression test on a petrol car. Will give you an idea if the HG is leaking. :-k