White smoke!

**stickygreen** · 30th January 2012, 17:34

Hi guys as the title suggests my car is smoking a bit, its a vec c estate 1.9 diesel 150 sri. i noticed it a couple of days ago there doesnt seem to be any power loss but accelerating hard in any gear produces white smoke, and earlier whilst waiting at a junction it seemed to idle badly any ideas?

I'm sorry i know this will have been asked before but couldnt find any thing in the search.thanks.

**alcutler** · 30th January 2012, 17:46

Originally Posted by stickygreen

Hi guys as the title suggests my car is smoking a bit, its a vec c estate 1.9 diesel 150 sri. i noticed it a couple of days ago there doesnt seem to be any power loss but accelerating hard in any gear produces white smoke, and earlier whilst waiting at a junction it seemed to idle badly any ideas?

I'm sorry i know this will have been asked before but couldnt find any thing in the search.thanks.

White smoke usually indicates water getting into a cylinder(s) - could be head gasket. Apparently its an indication you are burning anti - freeze.
If its only smoking when you first start in the morning and clears after you have run it a while it could be valve oil seals worn and allowing a small amount of oil to drain back into the cylinder and this is burnt off when you start - although you should be able to smell the difference.

**Ben50n** · 30th January 2012, 17:52

Unless it is simply a build up of water in your exhaust caused by condesation etc?

Does the white smoke clear after the engine is really hot? Or does it continue to smoke?

Check your water level.

Years ago, I had a brake master cylinder seal go, it was then sucking brake fluid through the cylinder, through the brake vacuum cylinder and into the engine. It burnt white!

**MrDerv** · 30th January 2012, 18:00

Or water getting into the diesel? Might be worth trying to drain the fuel filter housing to see if there's any presense of water

**Big Sig** · 30th January 2012, 18:05

Nothing to do with the fact its cold out at the moment is it? Therefore it could be perfectly normal. All my cars have done it until the exhaust has warmed up and evaporated all the condensation in it.

A bit like breathing out in the cold, you can see your own breath for a reason

**stickygreen** · 31st January 2012, 02:23

Sorry i didnt mention it does when the engine has fully warmed up and in every gear but only when the revs have dropped, so soon after changing gear or if i let the revs drop then accelarate hard.Typical as i want to change it for a vivaro for work had my eye on one hopfully for a straight swap.

**stickygreen** · 31st January 2012, 02:46

Plus the water temp and levels are fine as is everything else except the bad idling but ive only noticed that once,i was kinda hoping it was the dpf doing its thing.

**alcutler** · 31st January 2012, 08:03

If its only been a one off I would keep an eye on it - as has been said could just be a case of very cold outside temp causing a lot of condensation, or as you say the dpf having its monthly cycle (they are female aren't they) causing complications. I think if it was cylinder head gasket you would have the problem all the time!

**stickygreen** · 31st January 2012, 09:07

Its getting worse the same white smoke but now idling is really bad it sounds like a bag of poo.stoped in at my mechanics on the way to work he said without looking at it possibly air flow meter or egr.wter is still normal no managment light though and incase its relavant its an 07.

**stickygreen** · 1st February 2012, 19:02

Still dont know what it was but its gone now,i fiddled around with as many electrical connections as could find under the bonnet made sure they were all tight and the next time i drove the car it was fine and still is so fingers crossed.cheers for the replies.