Blue smoke when cold?

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Dr Fingers
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Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Dr Fingers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:06 pm

Ruby (95 diesel) is very smokey when cold: light blue smoke, and smelly with it, but doesn't appear to be using oil excessively. It's really quite anti social and embarrassing. Have been using a light mix of veg oil, but have run that off and filled with a fresh tank of diesel, no difference, she still looks like there's a bonfire in the back....

Sailed through MOT two weeks ago, obviously was tested when engine was hot, so no problem when up to heat, but cold starts are not good.

My local Bongo man says "they all do it", but I can't believe that.

Can anyone suggest what might cause this?

Otherwise running sweet as a nut, and not a trace of smoke when warmed up. :?:


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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Driver+Passengers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 1:40 pm

Are you losing engine oil?
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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Dr Fingers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:04 pm

No, that's the strange thing..
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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Driver+Passengers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:09 pm

Sorry, just read that you already wrote that in your first paragraph.

Perhaps you are, just not measurably yet. Turbo oil seals might be one...?
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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Dr Fingers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:26 pm

Turbo was replaced a year ago, after blowing spectacularly. Now that was a lot of smoke :D

Keeping an eye on the oil, doesn't seem to be using more than usual. Just had a big service, but this smokiness when cold has always been a concern.

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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Driver+Passengers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:29 pm

Hmm... sorry, can't help you. :(
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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by teenmal » Fri Nov 30, 2012 2:41 pm

Hi,sounds like a little unburnt fuel,does the engine have a slight misfire when it is smoking?It may be that the glow plugs are not 100%,or not staying on when they should.
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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Dr Fingers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 4:06 pm

teenmal wrote:Hi,sounds like a little unburnt fuel,does the engine have a slight misfire when it is smoking?It may be that the glow plugs are not 100%,or not staying on when they should.
Plugs were replaced 6 months ago..but yes,. a little lumpy on cold tickover. How would I check if the plugs are ok?


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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Northern Bongolow » Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:03 pm

how old is the air filter, and is it a good quality one.
if its old or a cheap one it could be getting not enough air for the amount of fuel while its on cold start, this will result in unburnt fuel going out the back end.
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Re: Blue smoke when cold?

Post by Dr Fingers » Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:28 pm

Some good suggestions, many thanks.

Looks like new plugs and air filter might be worth a try..



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