Smoky donk

[chas]

My Thorneycroft T90 has had some work done over the winter - reconditioned Fuel Distribution pump and injectors, new fuel pipes and the head has been off to clear some glo plugs which had welded themselves in. Now, when I start it, I get white smoke - not an excessive amount but quite noticable. This diminishes when the engine warms up. The cooling water and oil are clean, so I do not think it is the head gasket and I added sssss..... to the fuel, so that must be all right! It ticks over nicely and the power seems to be there. Should I be concerned? I would be grateful for any advice from ohters who might have experinced this.

 

[mickp]

Same Engine, Same Problem, I have been trying to eliminate white smoke for a while now, have new exhaust, new injectors, engine runs well, starts well, temp normal, oil pressure ok. In process of trying to turn fuel pump slightly aparantly to take up wear in timing chain. Dont know whats next. If and when you find the cure let me know by privare message and i shall do likewise. Should know if the pump trick works by Sunday.

 

[Mr Cassandra]

Re: PM

Come on.Please, dont Pm imformation we are all interested.Thanks Bob T

Bob T

 

[Guest]

Could be water in the fuel.......................

 

[chas]

I suspected this - I have a very large fuel tank and some of the fuel must be years old! I have drained some out of the bottom and treated the remainder with a good dose of s.........n so am hoping that it will be alright.

 

[mickp]

If there is water in the fuel surely the engine would be difficult to start and would also not run normal ?

 

[oldharry]

If the fuel was seriously water contaminated you would by now have no injector pump or injectors!

If the fuel is 'years old' this is quite likely to be the problem. Although Diesel doesnt ' go off' like petrol, it will change over time as the more volatile fractions evaporate off, and could cause the kind of problem you are having. Much depends on the age and quality of the fuel.

Always use fresh fuel before trying to diagnose engine faults - particularly when looking for carburation problems as you are.

And of course we all heard of the youngster who stripped his car engine down when it ran out of petrol!

 

[chas]

Thanks - I fear that you may well be right. I will just have to bite the bullet and find containers for about 25 gallons of fuel!