Lot of Smoke on start up?

[Fireyred]

My 90 runs like a dream and is a real joy to drive, however, on start up she kicks out rather a lot of smoke which i think may be a bad thing and am worried, what with it being due an MOT next month. :shock:

Any idea's what might be causing it, other than its age? :?

Cheers.

[Tinks]

Not sure what would be causing it but i do know that before they do an emissions test in an MOT that they warm the engine up so don't worry about that as it should not be tested from cold start up!! :D

Maria

[Fireyred]

Yes I was worried about that, what with the new tax on 4x4s there trying to bring in.
Was planning on taking for a good run before i took it in, as it dosent do it once it has been running for a while, and once stopped for an hour or so,if started again, it dosent do it then either.

Just when its been standing all night or all day at work. A big cloud of smoke.

Thanks.

[Rich_P]

What engine?  What colour smoke?  White?  Or is it blue?

[Fireyred]

Smoke is white with a small hint of gray.

Engine is 1989 2.5 Turbo Deisel.

[spinkster]

white smoke would indicate water, possibly with the awful weather we have been having you may be experiencing so condensation build up on the inside of the exhaust after running the engine which is evaporating when you start......if your not losing any coolant that is....personally before my MOT i run a can of forte through the engine ust to clean things up a bit....its only a tenner and does have some effect

[Rich_P]

Doesn't sound all that unusual then for an aging TD.  It's only on initial start up isn't it?

To my knowledge, the TD overfuels itself for start up (unburnt diesel comes out as white/grey).

[Snooky]

What he says, mine is the same age and has 145k on the clock, it is unburnt diesel normally, can tell by the smell, mine leaves a nice smoke screen every day and passed it's MOT with flying colours not that long ago.

Mine also smokes on run down after a run down the motorway but still fine.

The answer I got from a mate that is a diesel fitter was " What do you expect from an engine designed in the 60's and with that mileage on it"

Which is true, the engine is feeling it's age nothing more, so nothing really to worry about

[Fireyred]

Thanks to all for putting my mind at ease, let you know how the MOT goes. Then gotta insure it, which now I am 25 should be a little less. I can hope. Worth it though.

Gonna add some Mods then, tree rock sliders and a diff guard. Oh and not forgetting a steering guard too.

Cheers. :D

[Nobber]

mine does the same , do a google for white smoke diesel engine.
it could be your injectors , how old are they?
basically its nothing terminal so long as you dont lose coolant.

[AbyssDJ]

condensation in the exhaust is my bet. ours does it too! clears off if you give it a footful for a second

[thepsychoman]

Also check your airfilter is clear. My 200Tdi ran like a dog when I first bought it - smoked on start up and seemed a bit "lumpy". Air filter was filthy. Changed that and it was like a new car - still a puff of smoke on start-up but nothing like as bad. Worth a look?