Hello,

I'm no mechanic. Though research before attempt anything such as. And am at that age where I bounce around between optimism and logic... I think...

My car seems to run fine ( Had it 6 months. Before pick up it was serviced by the dealer at 57,000 plus new cam and water pump. I'v now done 5,000.) but am concerned about black smoke when I put the foot down . ( And I'm concerned people behind me have been backing off when I do. Though I could be over thinking it.) I've read it's unspent fuel being burned off.  The car pulls in 5th on the motorway no problem. 

 

This is the plan.

 

1/ Change oil, filter, sump nut.

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/engine-oil/halfords-5w30-ford-fully-synthetic-motor-oil-5l

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/febi-bilstein-22546-Oil-Filter/dp/B006DHWB6K/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473943040&sr=8-3&keywords=skoda+octavia+1.9+oil+filter

 

 2/ Change fuel filter and purge with this.  ( Youtube)  

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00DZM9TPC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B004X631O4/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_paging_btm_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=recent&pageNumber=2

 

Now found this great post about cleaning or removing/deleting the EGR. Does this mean I don't need the fitted EGR? 

And is removing it completely the best option?

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/295496-guide-how-to-remove-egr-valve-and-how-to-fit-the-group-buy-egr-delete-pipe/

 

Getting more confident with the car - happy - and am now thinking my best option in a couple months is to get it re-mapped. 

I don't just want to do one job and then find it's best to do the lot.

Thanks. 

That is the wrong oil for you car.

 

These will do the job nicely and are less than just that Halfords oil.

 

 

Genuine Quantum Platinum oil: £20
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-VW-VOLKSWAGEN-5-LITRE-QUANTUM-PLATINUM-ENGINE-OIL-5W-40-ZGB115QLB00521-/222214174590?hash=item33bcff377e:g:jUAAAOSw-kdX0rlj

 

Oil filter: £3

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/c/Skoda_Octavia_1.9_2006/p/car-parts/car-service-parts/regular-service/oil-filter/?501440288&1&ed2abcf123d1f90a28224bb9686c012bd784a18b&000231

 

Air Filter: £5

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/c/Skoda_Octavia_1.9_2006/p/car-parts/car-service-parts/regular-service/air-filter/?502440611&1&0c4488141e8ccb75a7784d179f40a9823cf606dd&000008

 

 

Black smoke is quite normal if you've just been pottering about for a while. It's just blowing the cobwebs out

Was the work done not guaranteed to who ever paid for it, or was it just done as necessary pre sales repairs and servicing.

 

Best have a diagnosis done by a competent and trusted independent specialist.

If there is a remedy for the black smoke have the adjustments done.

 

If the Oil & Filter was changed before you collected the car i would leave that just now.

Is there a job sheet showing the work done at that service, and an invoice for the pre-sales work.?

If you know the quality (spec and brand) of the oil and filter change carried out by the seller and you are comfortable, I would probably leave for another 6 months / 5k miles.  But often you will have no idea what they have used and may not trust if asked. In that case, I would be tempted to change it to something you know is right.

 

Air filter sounds like it might be a good idea, If the black smoke is highly noticeable (and it sounds like it is) and it persists under all hard acceleration after a long drive I would suspect something amiss. How is your MPG as if that is low it would also indicate a problem. 

Thanks for the replies.

Softscoop I'v already got the oil and added about 1/2 to 1 Lt to top up. The oil filter is on the way. ( So I'll just keep it to one side ) All the filter's, ( Not fuel ), including pollen, air were done with the cam-belt, water pump before I picked up from the dealership.  GoneOFFSKi  Yes I have the printout. Showing service, cam, water pump, F tyres, brake pads, MOT. Apparently the guy who put a deposit on it, prior to me, asked for all to be done before he finalised payment. Then at  last minute he had to leave the country, I was told. 

How much is a diagnosis ?

I'v seen hand held though from what I'v read don't fancy it. 

I'v given it around 8 good motorway runs of over 100 mile and as said it's smooth. So from what you say it seems I shouldn't be to worried. It had 1 owner before me. I also found it was an elderly gent which gave me a bit more confidence. 

Am I right in saying I should leave all planned for now till say another 5,000 miles. ( Maybe just a bit more oil top-up when needed) And in the mean time find a local garage for a diagnosis. 

Thanks.  

I was a bit slow there thanks. 

If you've already got that Halfords oil, do not put it in your car.

 

The PD engines require a special type of oil which meets VW 505.01 approval. 

 

That Halfords oil does not meet it and will undoubtedly cause premature wear to your camshaft. 

If you have used that oil to top up your car I would change it immediately. There is a Halfords oil that IS suitable for your car so god knows why your picked that one.

 

As far as the smoke goes, if you are getting quite a lot under hard acceleration then a good check over of the boost pipework from the turbo to the inlet manifold is probably a good idea. When air escapes the mixture is fuel rich which causes a lot of smoke.

 

Any oil around connections is a dead giveaway that air is leaking out as there is a small mist of oil that gets blown round the stem from the crank case breather and the turbo.

Edited 15 September, 20169 yr by SuperbTWM

Thanks, OK I'v only added about 1/2 Lt of  oil yesterday to bring it to 2/3 top of the recessed level instead of the bottom of it as it was. I'v just ordered the oil, thanks for the correct link. I will now get the oil change done. Also ordered a new nut. ( For the car... ) I'v just been out and checked the air filter. It's very clean. So I can see it's been done. Had a look around the turbo, pipes, connections and see nothing. There is no oil marks, splatters or drip's, ( Aside from me..? ) The engine is very clean but for a light dusting.

As said I'm not a mechanic though could find my way around say a 70's car engine. I'v never owned a diesel or Skoda for that matter before.

 I appreciate all the help here.

Had a diagnostic done today at a local garage. Very slight problem with number 3 glow-plug but they said not to worry about it at present. ( It could right it's self and they will check it again when they do the oil and filter's.  Told me the turbo was working fine and the car was running well.  As I was told here they also said to give it a blast along the motorway due to the low use before I bought it. Told them I had. They will also change the oil and diesel/oil filter for me so I don't make an ass of it. And drop a tin of this in 1/4 tank of fuel before they do. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Liqui-Moly-1811-Diesel-Purge/dp/B004X631O4/ref=pd_lpo_263_bs_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QBF23V5T252E1CCFSWA4

Thanks.