Lots of dark smoke from exhaust, plenty of power in engine

[Karst]

And diesel pooling around injectors even after having copper washers changed.

Thanks to Altransit, Knobby, Andz, and Jim for already helping me with this here - https://fordtransit.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=190442

I thought I'd better start a new thread though because it seems actually the weirdest issue is the fact that my van smokes like billyo when at high revs or under pressure, with a dark smoke, and yet still pulls really well, it drives almost like a petrol engine.

There is a slight flat spot in the acceleration at times.

This engine has been condemned by one mechanic who says the only thing that could be wrong with it is a damaged piston ring and it cannot be effectively fixed.

So after going from pillar to post with this, and after your helpful points of view, I've decided to book it in at Ford Commercial dealership in Hemel Hempstead for a diagnosis for £120. It goes in next Tuesday, 11th Dec.

The van is not worth much, but it will be worth holding onto if there really is a reasonably priced fix.....

[Mad Husky]

I would say it's not rings that's blue smoke i would take a peek at air filter intercooler and manifold for restricted air flow before looking at injectors. I have read the other posts.

[ned]

Dark colour? Black, blue, grey?

[Karst]

Hi Mad Husky and Ned,

I had a service done on it this summer if that counts here, as for the colour of the smoke I haven't really checked it properly, only looking in my wing mirror, and it seems to be black, and sometimes grey. But that is something I can check properly.

Anyway, the latest is I spoke to the first mechanic and they said they can do exactly the same diagnosis as Ford for £40 tomorrow. So that's where I'll be going (this one says you can rebuild a Mk7 engine effectively)

[Chug]

If you lift your foot off the throttle slightly does the smoke stop? and it otherwise runs well and only does it under full throttle or load like a hill? if so it is overfuelling, or possibly a faulty injector(s)

[ned]

+1 on the over fueling especially if it's black smoke, nearly all diesels kick out black smoke under heavy throttle.

If you have had a full service then I would start by checking all boost pipes for splits, I had a split in my boost pipe just before the intake manifold which caused black smoke, once a new pipe was fitted all was good again

[v8dave]

If you have had a full service then I would start by checking all boost pipes for splits, I had a split in my boost pipe just before the intake manifold which caused black smoke, once a new pipe was fitted all was good again

+1, it's surprising how small a hole can be and have a big effect.

[Karst]

Ok guys, here it is...

(What does +1 mean here?)

I checked with Ford - the rubber seals were quoted to me at £43 each!

After having a chat with the second mechanic I used since buying the van, I cancelled the £120 diagnosis at Ford and opted for theirs at £40 after he assured me that they use the same software and do the same job.

So I took it in there today. Guess what??!! He said I need a new EGR valve and new rubber seals at the injectors! He may also have said something else, but I was so pleased that it didn't matter! So the van is not dead. It is cheaper to get it fixed than to get a new van.

This mechanic also said that you can recondition these engines successfully. So all this input pretty much convinces me that it is possible. Which makes the 3rd mechanic wrong on 2 counts - first the engine does not have a faulty piston ring, and secondly these engines can be reconditioned. He even had a story - he said many years ago you could recondition transit engines, but for many years now it has not really been possible. What planet is this guy on??

So that's the latest. By this Tuesday I'll know if the problems are fixed.

[ned]

+1 means we agree with what the other reply said,

I.e any engine can be rebuilt.

+1 (I agree)

Hope that helps.

[Karst]

Oh I see, +1, as in 1 point to you

[geoffwa3]

Looking forward to hearing the outcome, I have very similar problems with mine.
Having done loads of reading on here with similar symptoms my head is chocca with everything it could be.

What I really need is a good mechanic who knows these transits in the Northwest area, if anyone can recommend please???

[Altransit]

What I really need is a good mechanic who knows these transits in the Northwest area, if anyone can recommend please???

How far from Glasgow are you

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=2355

[Karst]

Looking forward to hearing the outcome, I have very similar problems with mine.
Having done loads of reading on here with similar symptoms my head is chocca with everything it could be.

What I really need is a good mechanic who knows these transits in the Northwest area, if anyone can recommend please???

Hey Geoff, I completely sympathise! It has been a roller coaster nightmare. I will absolutely post all the outcomes.

(Just a sidenote - I think I was getting more smoke the hotter the engine got)

[geoffwa3]

I'm in close to Liverpool bud

[ned]

I'm in close to Liverpool bud

Karl's the man you want