Just how smokey should a surf be?

[rich]

I have the 3.0 but it does the same as yours every morning, usually because it takes a few turns of the engine before it starts (Got a lazy starter - another job I need to do )

So the fuel is pumped in on all the turns and then has to burn off - hence the smoke in my case.

Rich.

[Simon.O.]

I am a great supporter of the 2.4TD
Down this way I have heard all the horror stories about heads cracking and bits breaking
As some have said: REGULAR servicing is the answer. Mine gets new oil and filter every 5k
As for a bit of black smoke, it sounds like your buses are about the same as ours. I call it manouvering under smoke

[icsys]

A bottle of redex in a 1/4 tank of fuel and a swift thrash up the motorway

Would you recommend regular use of redex (or any other additive)?

[Pete]

Humm, it's white smoke. Only really appears on startup and disappears with a couple of taps on the throttle. How can I tell if it's the gasket or head? It seems to run ok, sits in traffic on the daily commute, no probs on motorways, and the temp needle doesn't move, but from what I've read that doesn't seem to matter much. It does seem a little sluggish at times, but then I've never driven anything like this before so I have nothing to compare it to. Oh, and I've done the redex thing. Been through a couple of bottles since I got the truck about three weeks ago (hefty amounts in a quater tank etc.)

Any help grately appreciated.

Simon

Simon,
The simptoms you describe with white smoke on start up from cold point to a glow plug problem. I had exactly the same thing on mine, with a new head on. An auto electrician found a faulty wire, and it was great after that. That was 15 months ago. I now have a small amount of white appeared again, and a slightly lumpy start from cold. Had it checked today, wiring fine, 1 plug down. replacing all 4 as I don't know how long the other 3 will last. You will notice the white smoke gets worse as it gets colder.
Pete

[super8simon]

Thanks Pete.

I'll ckeck the glow plugs out.

Simon