We bought the CDTI 150 in August last year. When we bought it the EGR was goosed so the dealer fitted a new one. I immediately blanked it off.
A couple of months ago the engine was running very lumpy when idling cold and was really smelling (hot coolant/chemical smell). I was concerned it might be a sign of the head gasket failing but a complete diagnostics test by a garage turned up nothing apart from the EGR blanking and it was put down to the cold weather. At that point I was still unconvinced and so removed the blanking plate from the EGR in case it was hiding another issue as the EML was permanently on.
Fast forward to two weeks ago and the lumpy idle has returned.. and the 18-20º temperatures can rule out a 'cold weather' issue. The engine is now very juddery on idle (regardless of the engine temperature) and also at low revs (ie; when the car's crawling in traffic) almost as if it's about to stall.
There's also been a really good puff of smoke when starting up first thing in the morning but I've just put that down to condensation due to the time of day but today was something else! We went out in the car this morning and got home about 12 then the wife went to go shopping at about 1pm. as she started the car there was a thick cloud of smoke followed by a constant stream of grey/blue smoke (this was just idling), even people 30ft down the street were coughing!. I turned the engine off and a visual inspection of the engine bay didn't give anything away, no obvious leaks, spills or split pipes & fluids all at the correct levels. I restarted the car & the engine's still lumpy idling but nowhere near as much smoke, even revving the engine didn't produce any excessive smoke!?
It's booked in for a new cambelt, tensioners & water pump on Monday but I'm not sure if this is going to help in any way shape or form (more peace of mind as the cars about to hit 60k). It drives fine and pulls well with no obvious loss in performance. Any ideas where to start with this one?
*EDIT*
The car is becoming harder to start too. it takes a good 5 or 6 seconds turning over before it fires up and often it really bangs into life almost as if the engine's about to burst out of the bonnet!!
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