On my 1990 Townace 2.0 turbo diesel auto it has become less reliable at starting. It will start second or third time, but produces cloud of grey smoke when it does so. I have checked the glow plugs and they are not getting hot at all. The in line big fuse is Ok and I eventually found the controlling ECU (with Dave Mason's help) in the passenger door pillar. The 12v relay is OK but the ECU is only sending 4v to it. Are the glowplugs supposed to get hot in the summer heat, or is the ECU failing?
- (#11693) David, 23 Jun 04 04:12
I don't think your glowplugs are to blame for the poor starting. Mine haven't worked for what must be a year now. Except for sub-zero temperatures it fires first time and no smoke.
True it sounds like you have a problem with the glowplug circuit but I would suggest you have another fuel related problem as well, maybe injectors.
- (#11693) Ian Dunse (Derbs), 23 Jun 04 06:56
Wot Ian says. Suggest checking the injection timing and having a compression test done, also replace the fuel filter if it's near due...
- (#11693) David Miller, 23 Jun 04 06:59
hi
can anyone tell me why my ace black smokes
when hot or cold only when i am starting off
its happened all of a sudden
idont think its injectors or timing
help bryan
- (#11693) bryan, 24 Jun 04 16:00
Black smoke is usually fueling probs
Easy check is for a dirty or blocked air filter, then its gets more in depth.
Just one dribbly injector will produce black smoke.Only real test is to remove em and get them tested by a derv service centre - they just unscrew (dont try pressurising them yourself and observing the spray pattern as its about 3500 psi and could penetrate your skin with derv)
I dont think this is your problem as you state its just happened however i might as well mention it -
Pump could be set too rich - its the screw on the back end just above the injector pipes. Beware 1/8 of a turn at a time and mark your starting point.
The allen screw and locknut on the top of the pump controls part of the boost set up it also can give black smoke - again its not been touched so ive no reason to think its your problem.
so maybe air filter, or injector blocked. Air filters usually block in a progresive manner over a period of time or miles, injectors can block all of sudden so id suspect them.
Jim
- (#11693) J Adgo, 24 Jun 04 17:02
I have only replaced the fuel filter about 5000 miles ago. I drained it and checked - no water in it. How easy is it to check the injection timing?
David
- (#11693) David, 27 Jun 04 05:33
David, you need a small dial test indicator and a pump adaptor which are about 40 pounds from a auto tool factors or pump bosche pump service centre, it screws into a hole on the middle of the pipe cluster at the rear of the pump (after removing the blank screw).
To time it, its easy - set the crank pointer to align with the pulley mark and watch the gauge as you then turn the crank back until the dial gauge hits a 'dead spot' and peaks - set the gauge bezel to zero and then turn it back to the pointer and notch marks once more and observe the gauge reading - i would opt for 069 . it gives a parameter of 067 - 073 #
073 will make the head hotter and it will 'knock' more ..
067 will make it run deadly quiet and heat the turbo up more.
Adjustment is carried out by loosening the pump bolts (theres 3 - a sneaky one thats hidden between the pump and the block - you can only see it from underneath)
theres a few preliminaries before you carry this out.
disable the waxstat advance by inserting a 9mm block or nut between the arm and the plunger - dont overstreetch the lever too it will damage the pump
(in case you dont know what the waxsat is its the device on the side of the pump which has two smallish water pipes fed to it to enable it to detect the temp of the engine and adjust the advance accordingly).
Remove the plastic belt gaurd from underneath so you can see the pulley marks.
Its worth setting it right, it helps it to run quietly , improves the fuel consumption , keeps it cooler , helps emmisions for the MOT.
hope this helps
Jim
- (#11693) J Adgo, 27 Jun 04 06:33