I own an 05 Fabia VRS with 30k on the clock.

When accelerating from low revs with light or medium power there is considerable sooty smoke deposited so much as to leave a haze in the mirror. Although I accept a diesel will smoke a little, this seems excessive. It only appears down lower revs and maybe even just as the turbo starts to spin up.

Any possiblities or causes so I know what to mention when I book it in for warranty check?

If the car is pulling and driving fine, I wouldn't worry about it. Which fuel are you using as some brands seem to make the car smoke more than others?

Chris

If the car has the standard airfilter in it, and it has been serviced 'by the book' the paper airfilter won't have been replaced. I found mine was dirty to such an extent after 10k that I replaced it.

Something you can do pretty easily yourself as well

I use Shell fuel. Ive had an injector cleaner in for the last tank as the cars new to me so I wanted to clean it up to maximise fuel economy. I still get hi 40's maybe 50mpg and it runs clean enough...except if you over boot it in a high gear....but then I read about that dual mass flywheel thing so drive it differently now!

Im trying not to worry but it is a little excessive and I aint seen others doing it. Thanks for the trying to reassure me though!

I find mines smokes a lot more with Tesco fuel, but hardly at all with Shell.

Maybe try a different brand, ultimate shell diesel or BP diesel maybe?

Also - don't think any injector cleaners are recommended with the furby vrs - apparently they may cause problems and possibly invalidate the warranty. If any of the cleaner are left in the fuel system, it could also possibly cause some smoking as it gets burned up.

Other things that have caused it for me have already been mentioned - filthy air filter and accelerating in a high gear at low speed (not good for the car at all).

Other than that, maybe its not as bad as you think, possibly a trick of light at night or in sunlight makes it look worse?

Again - as mentioned - air filter

Mine was grey / black at 16k so I replaced it.

Also you could put some Millers Diesel Sport 4 in to clean the injectors (it will also improve economy or performance - I say this cos you tend to use the extra performance). Tons of info on this product if you search in the threads.

agree with the other comments....

I also had an '05... mine would smoke too.... it ran to 80k without breaking, so I wouldn't worry about it

Try the Cage mod and see if you notice a difference - pop open the MAF connector under the hood, half fill with 'Silicone dielectric spark plug grease' (NOT silicone sealant) and close.

Bet you'll swear by it if you do actually try it....

HTH

Bas

Try the Cage mod

Not heard of this mod before - any more info on what it does and why?

Chris

If you do a search on tdiclub.com forums it's all explained.

My tuned Fab smokes even if I turn the EGR down to its minimum setting, unless I do this mod. It works and I've not had a problem in a year's worth of motoring at high ambient temps.

Silicone Grease is an electrical insulator and conducts away heat - it may work by improving connections or eliminating cross-interference - no-one really knows. Used as a routine in connectors of many upmarket vehicles, (also in spark plug boots).

see http://www.briskoda.net/forums/fabia/less-smoke-smoother-engine-about-90p/80723

HTH

Bas

What's all this 'not worrying' about smoking? Is there no concern for those who have to breathe it - not just healthy people, but young kids, those with asthma, lung disease, the elderly and so on?

I've got a variation of asthma and as such I'm quite keen not to add too much to the smoke problem. That said, diesels do smoke a tad.

I tend to fill up with Diesel Extra which appears to work well for my particular car, and having the FMIC reduced smoke significantly too. The propane worked well too, whilst it lasted, but that needs to be tuned at some stage, this time safely :roll: which again should increase power AND reduce particulate emissions.

Generally my car doesnt smoke much if at all, only if I boot it very hard it will smoke a tad, or on a rolling road. I prefer that over a big cloud behind me, not just coz it's annoying to drive through for those behind (although...) but also because it gets the back of the car very dirty very quickly and it just makes you look like you're trying (too) hard

What's all this 'not worrying' about smoking? Is there no concern for those who have to breathe it - not just healthy people, but young kids, those with asthma, lung disease, the elderly and so on?

Why worry? Everyone knows it's the evil 4x4's killing the planet not the nice "eco-friendly" diesels

Chris

Don't get me started on hybrids though :P

Out of interest where did you buy it? Wonder if it's my old one?

Ignorance is bliss

If it smokes will it not "fail" the MOT ?

Worried of FIFE

Regards Jimbo aka National

Your right about the MOT but I dont think its that bad, and the emissions arent a problem on tick over as the MOT test is done.

I changed the filter, and it has improved but if you accel (even gently) in 4th from 1500rpm upwards the soot is still visible.

Strangly, the filter that came out was a red edged one about an inch thick with caged filter paper. It didnt scream "Im a performance filter" at me but it wasnt like the standard Cooper replacement which was two inch thick with no metalwork around the filter paper! It was mingin black though!

What's all this 'not worrying' about smoking? Is there no concern for those who have to breathe it - not just healthy people, but young kids, those with asthma, lung disease, the elderly and so on?

If we really cared about the enviroment we wouldnt be buying diesels now would we? they give out more particulates/ sulphurs and this actually rots buildings too.

At least driving a petrol gives you hot summers all year round!! :D