white smoke on startup?

[JimSuperSix]

I noticed recently that the Surf puffs out a single cloud of white smoke on startup (after being left overnight), but aftwards runs completely clean (not even any black smoke under power).

Any ideas what this is? I'm thinking it's a slightly worn component letting a little hot (thus runny) oil leak into the cylinders when switched off, which then burns off instantly on startup the next day?

It had a new cylinder head from Stevo about 2 years ago, so I assume the valves and guides should be in good condition. It only does about 2000 miles a year.

Would a leaky injector produce white smoke? I've also noticed that it starts a little worse over the past few weeks, lumpy at first for a few seconds as if it's just on 3 cylinders - press the accelerator and it runs fine from then on. It has been colder recently though, although it had new glow-plugs last year.

I'm not worried if it's just general wear and happy to top up the oil every now and then, but the only thing that worries me is if it has a leaky injector could this lead to a hydro-locked engine and more damage?

thanks
James

[MattF]

Most of them give a puff or two of smoke after been stood overnight,
especially this time of year.

[JimSuperSix]

Thanks, do you know what causes it? Is it just because it's rainy and the engine gets condensation when it cools down, or damp overnight?

I've just checked the water level and it's the same as it has been since the new head went on, and the coolant is still clear and green, which is nice, so I guess the smoke isn't steam.

Seeing as the car only does very few miles (avg. journey is 10 miles in the morning and the same home again) and I never thrash it (I know you should on a diesel but I'm too paranoid!) a friend suggested that it could be a blocked or partly-blocked injector, so I've put some in injector cleaner and I'll drive it harder for a while and see if it clears.

I'm sure I recall it doing this last year....but I don't remember the white smoke, just the $$$$ starting - that's why I fitted new glow-plugs, but it made no difference.

[coolsv650]

It could be a fault glow plug, but i've also noticed on the missus 2.4 a puff of white smoke on first start up, it starts slower too, what I do is turn on the ignition, let the glow plug light go out and listen for a click after about 20 seconds, that is the glow plug relay dropping out, start it then and our's goes 1st time

[MattF]

Could be anything. Moisture in the exhaust, a bit of oil being burned off. It's
really nowt to worry about unless it starts getting worse. With regards to the
injectors, bung a bottle of cleaner in the tank anyhow. It won't do any harm.

[MattF]

It could be a fault glow plug, but i've also noticed on the missus 2.4 a puff of white smoke on first start up, it starts slower too, what I do is turn on the ignition, let the glow plug light go out and listen for a click after about 20 seconds, that is the glow plug relay dropping out, start it then and our's goes 1st time

Us chaps with the 2.4's have the BEEP. We don't have to strain to listen
for a relay clunk.

[WARRIOR72]

white smoke is usually unburnt fuel, i think maybe a glow plug or injector not quite right when cold in morning.. mine coughed up loads of white smoke till i did both the glow plugs and got the injectors re conned... i wouldnt worry too much unless it gets a lot lot worse.

[WARRIOR72]

Us chaps with the 2.4's have the BEEP. We don't have to strain to listen
for a relay clunk.

dont start the 3.0 l lot off

[coolsv650]

Us chaps with the 2.4's have the BEEP. We don't have to strain to listen
for a relay clunk.

Oh so it'e meant to have a beep, I thought it was something the previous owner had done!

[WARRIOR72]

yes i wondered what that noise was till i was informed on here.... i thought it was my immobiliser warning
i normally let mine beep twice to me in the morning,before i knew i got the mrs to come out in her slippers and curlers in to listen under the bonnet too

[JimSuperSix]

Thanks people,

I do always wait for the beep / relay click.

I'll keep an eye on it and if it gets worse I'll think about getting the injectors either reconned or replaced.

Nice to know it's nothing serious though!

thanks
James

[BUSHWHACKER]

Check the radiator cap.

[WARRIOR72]

no i dont think it is mate just keep an eye and ear on her if the smoke gets worse or it takes longer to start or you get idling probs id investigate further,in the meantime bung a pot of redex diesel treatment in.. if its an early sign of a dirty injector it may get the $$$$ out now and resolve your problem altogether!!

[MattF]

Check the radiator cap.

Vinceeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnttt..... ...............

[BUSHWHACKER]

Wot!?