Meaning of white smoke after starting?

johneym · 19-03-2015 6:25pm #1

2 l diesel engine, once warmed up the white smoke disappears. Not overheating and no loss of power. Been like this since I got it.

biko · 19-03-2015 7:34pm

White is usually just condensation burning off. If it's only at startup I wouldn't think much of it.
Is it a lot?

johneym · 19-03-2015 7:40pm

yes its a lot, and smelly

James 007 · 19-03-2015 7:48pm

A papal conclave is a meeting of the College of Cardinals convened to elect a new Bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope.

New pontiff has been elected. The white smoke is explained here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/the-pope/9928173/Papal-conclave-Vatican-reveals-the-secret-behind-the-chimney-smoke.html

biko · 19-03-2015 8:00pm

There may be several causes for it.
Was glowplugs ever changed?
When was car last serviced?
Did a mech see the smoke?

martinr5232 · 19-03-2015 9:25pm

James 007 wrote:

A papal conclave is a meeting of the College of Cardinals convened to elect a new Bishop of Rome, also known as the Pope.

Either a new pope or ya have a glow plug or two gone i would think.

CJhaughey · 20-03-2015 10:38am

White smoke is usually related to fuel restriction ,blocked micro gauzes in fuel pump or fuel system.

20-03-2015 3:23pm

johneym wrote: »

2 l diesel engine, once warmed up the white smoke disappears. Not overheating and no loss of power. Been like this since I got it.

Is there any loss of coolant

johneym · 20-03-2015 8:17pm

thanks to all who replied.

There is no loss of coolant.

Van was not serviced for a long long time. I have just got it but I have since learned that the previous owner didn't service it for years. Thats going to be done in 2 days.

Once engine is hot rhe white smoke goes.

This happens regardless if van is indoors in warm garage overnight.

Mintoe · 21-03-2015 2:43am

People with opinions on boards.ie can't diagnose the problem. maybe I missed it but did you tell us make, model, year etc........ Must be a mystic mechanic on here..... Best solution is bring to good mechanic, not a Fred the shed just does services and simple stuff mechanic, let them see/smell smoke, drive van and plug in diagnostics etc and you'll find out for sure if it's got a problem or not....

Love the range of answers from glow plugs to coolant to blocked fuel supply, all bases covered....

Sorry maybe I'm just having a rant or maybe it's just my opinion.......!

johneym · 22-03-2015 3:17pm

Thanks to all and indeed it could be any one of the problems mentioned.

this is a diy forum after all.

Meaning of white smoke after starting?

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