Thread: black smoke

Originally Posted by Rad97

Does running injector cleaner through the system do any good ?
if so which one to use?

The cloud of start up smoke can it be stopped or shall I stop worrying about it and just put up with the dirty looks .

mmm can't do it any harme. It is what i would start with

Alot of the new fuels have lower amouts of sulphur which is what keeps the injector lubicated. So alot of them can harm the injector and make the car go slower. This used to be mostly with Uk supermarket fuel but don't know about here

The cloud at the start is part and parcel of a TDi. Had 6 tdis and they all do it Many a time had to say to people, mmmm do you want to move 6 foot to the left

Start with the basic stuff and check the intake/air filter for blockages, maybe shout it a new air filter.

I prefer Redline's RL2 or 85 Plus over a lot of injector cleaners as some of them can be quite corrosive to the bottom end, or just use one a week before an oil change. Removing the sulphur is a good thing in fuel, far less acidity and soot in the oil, but unfortunately removing it removes the aromatic compounds that provide the lubrication to the pump and injectors. The refinery adds lubricant back into the fuel to meet the relevant Oz spec.

Originally Posted by rick130

Start with the basic stuff and check the intake/air filter for blockages, maybe shout it a new air filter.

I prefer Redline's RL2 or 85 Plus over a lot of injector cleaners as some of them can be quite corrosive to the bottom end, or just use one a week before an oil change. Removing the sulphur is a good thing in fuel, far less acidity and soot in the oil, but unfortunately removing it removes the aromatic compounds that provide the lubrication to the pump and injectors. The refinery adds lubricant back into the fuel to meet the relevant Oz spec.

For the start up smoke I would suggest you check whether the Glow plugs are working, if they are I would check air Filter for clogging and inlet hoses, to make sure they arent soft and sucking in and I would try some injector cleaner, Regards Frank.

Ill back rick up with the RL2. Though I have a TD5, The thought of running without RL2, makes me sad. Things just work smoother.

I would also say - blocked air filter.

LRH

G'day Rad 97

You are not alone, I have the same problem. Definately more evident when cold, but it still does it when hot. I have tried different tests to determine whether its on full throttle acceleration or half throttle etc to no avail. I can drive the same section of road in the same gear under the same (as possible) conditions with say 4 out 5 run no smoke, then puff. When it does smoke it seams to pulse (smoke only)sometimes, with no noticeable difference to the cars performance. I am leaning towards something in the injector pump. I thought maybe the timing might be moving (when it shouldn't be)but I think if that was the case power would be effected, which would be noticeable. I have cleaned the intercooler, replaced intercooler hoses with silicon ones, checked the valve clearances, replaced fuel filter, checked fuel lines with no change. If it was happening all the time I think diagnosis would be easier. I thought it may be injector related, but I'm leaning away from them as I think they either work or they don't. (someone correct me if I'm wrong).
The saga continues......
(oh by the way mine is 97 with 175 000km and the injector pump had been overhauled at least 50 000km by Graeme Cooper.)

When I had a 93 Defender it did the same thing and it was excessive fuel being thrown thru the motor. I dont understand it as I was told that when things arent working properly with diesel motors - they have a tendancy to throw more fuel to compensate
I did however, change the fuel filter and had all lines / injectors pressure cleaned and it sorted itself out. The only way I kept on top of it was to commit to changing the fuel filter every 5000 km and running a fuel treatment thru it now and then.
I did end up backing off the fuel pump slightly and it was heaps better without dropping in performance. Too hard for me to understand but it seemed to work

Had a check and found that the turbo hose is getting really soft coming off the turbo,

the air filter is perfect.will be putting the diesel teatment in the tank.

Question where do you get the RL2 from 2 e.g. supercheap.