Hi.. I have a Fabia 3 TDI 1.9 (only 6000 miles) which emits blue smoke when starting up first thing in the morning after a heavy frost.. After 30 seconds or so it clears and no smoke is emitted during or after warm up. Is this the start of a problem or is it normal for this type of diesel?

Paul

Edited 8 March, 201016 yr by Paul MR

My wife has a 1.9TDI with 20k miles. It does sometimes emit a small amount of black smoke after starting, but clears after a few seconds (you can smell it more than see it). Its never emitted blue smoke. Does yours use oil?

Paul, I would get that checked out at your Skoda dealer. It shouldn't be anything serious...but could be a weeping turbo oil seal, or a damaged valve stem seal letting a small amount of oil in overnight which burns off when she gets going. No smoke at all I take it when revved hard? There are some other things that could cause it but I think these are the most likely and are easy to fix.

Just one other point...she's not overfilled with oil?...that can cause or add to the problem.

Edited 8 March, 201016 yr by Estate Man

Paul, I would get that checked out at your Skoda dealer. It shouldn't be anything serious...but could be a weeping turbo oil seal, or a damaged valve stem seal letting a small amount of oil in overnight which burns off when she gets going. No smoke at all I take it when revved hard? There are some other things that could cause it but I think these are the most likely and are easy to fix.

Just one other point...she's not overfilled with oil?...that can cause or add to the problem.

My wife started the car this morning and I stood at the back of the car and its actually whiteish/grey smoke thats emitted when starting first thing in the morning for about twenty seconds or so and then nothing in the way of smoke whilst driving or when warmed up. I'm not good on smoke colours , but its not blue, my mistake, so waht do you think could be the cause. No smoke when revved hard..

Thanks

Hi Paul,

Whitish grey smoke can be caused by overfuelling, or the correct amount of fuel just not being completely burned. If it's noticeable as a largish amount of smoke, then you may have a slightly sticky EGR. Or, when you start the vehicle are you and your wife waiting for the 'glow plug' light on the dash to extinguish? If not, this can result in a slightly smokey start, or if you are pressing on the accellerator during the start up process, this too can result in smoke as it overfuels the engine. Keep your foot off the gas. It doesn't sound like anything to be too concerned about, but you can ask your dealer to check it out. Let us all know the outcome if you will. Good luck.

Our 1.9 will smoke first thing, nothing to worry about

The major products of the combustion of hydrocarbons are water and CO2. I suspect the whitish emissions you are seeing are just steam - more visible when the air is cold in the morning. As the exhaust temp rises it becomes less obvious.