Hi all
I have a '91 Townace Turbodiesel 4WD (2C Engine). I bought it a bought a couple of weeks ago and I am pretty chuffed so far. Only major gripes are that:
a) It chucks out black smoke when I accelerate hard. The heavier the foot, the more the smoke. No smoke at idle or when the van is in Neutral.
b) MPG seems pretty lousy, certainly far less than what other people have been quoting here.
c) The top speed seems to be about 65MPH. I know that the Townace is no dragster but I thought I could do a little better than this.
Can anyone hazard a guess as to what my problem may be? Fuel/air mixture? Injectors? Worse?
Additional info:
- Have changed oil and Air filters along with the Oil. The old oil was filthy black. I have a fuel filter to go on also (when I can figure out how to get a grip on the old one, to unscrew it, without removing all the cables that are in the way.
- The Freewheel hubs are unlocked.
- Van seems to have lots of pull/torque at low speeds.
- My first diesel. I am no mechanic but have some idea of the principles, just not the practice.
Any suggestions appreciated. Best regards.
---- JIM - (#798) Jim Reynolds, 12 Aug 01

Fuel filter, injection timing, injectors. (in that order...)
general consensus is 28mpg, top speed 80-85?
Black smoke is caused by too much fuel, or being injected too soon.
HTH - (#799) David Miller, 12 Aug 01

To remove the fuel filter wires dont try unscrewing the nylon insert( water in diesel float switch) in the bottom of the filter as you will damage the wires ,instead follow the wire to the connector . This needs a 'barb' pushing in before it will part company ..and I admit its fidely ,but better than damaging the wires
HTH - (#804) J Adgo, 13 Aug 01

David & Jay,
Thanks for your help.
The fuel filter is now replaced (and neighbours are learning to love the smell of spilt diesel)! In the event, the filter and housing were removed as a unit (after removing 2 bolts, 2 fuel/air hoses and the water-in-fuel connector). The whole assembly needed to go in a vice before I could remove the filter (note
hand tight only when the new filter goes on !)
The performance is improving though the black smoke is still there when the power goes on.
Fuel economy is up and it appears that I have a sticky speedo cable as it is not registing above 65 (the clicking sound it makes was masked by the speed restricter bell - doh !!).
David has suggested (offline) that there may be a need to have the Fuel pump looked at as the anti-tamper plugs appear to be absent. I will be talking to a Bosch/Diesel specialist in the near future.
Once again, thanks.
--- JIM - (#847) Jim Reynolds, 20 Aug 01