Technical Black Smoke Problem

[LuckyJim]

I have a 2011 M/H on a Fiat Ducato chassis it has a 2.3 diesel Multi-Jet engine that has done 45,000 miles .. It runs like a dream but recently (4 months) I have Black Smoke coming from my exhaust as I pull away in 1st & 2nd gears ..
I took it to a very reputable Garage who put it on the diagnostic machine .. But they couldn't find anything wrong with it ? .. So I took it to a tuning specialist and told them the story .. But likewise they could not find any problem ? So I had it re-mapped .. but still it smokes ..
As I say it pulls really well and returns around 28 MPG .. I know that Black smoke from the exhaust is the result of too much fuel ..ie Un-burnt diesel ..
So the question is Has anyone out there got any idea what it can be and how do I cure it ?
Any help will be very gratefully received ..
Many thanks Jim "B"

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Looking for any restriction in the air intake - often a neglected air filter - is a good place to start. However that's such an obvious one they'll have checked that already? As there's been no Fault codes found it's likely to be something reasonably simple like an injector dribbling or not atomizing properly, possibly checking for excess fuel pressure in the rail would be a good place to start? Just a few thoughts from someone who tries to avoid common rail diesels like the plague. Although unlikely to "cure" a problem like this, it could be worth running a good quality injector cleaner through it before starting to take things to pieces. If the problem improves - ie. smoke output reduces - it would show it's likely to be dirty, maybe carbon fouled, injectors

 

[LuckyJim]

Looking for any restriction in the air intake - often a neglected air filter - is a good place to start. However that's such an obvious one they'll have checked that already? As there's been no Fault codes found it's likely to be something reasonably simple like an injector dribbling or not atomizing properly, possibly checking for excess fuel pressure in the rail would be a good place to start? Just a few thoughts from someone who tries to avoid common rail diesels like the plague. Although unlikely to "cure" a problem like this, it could be worth running a good quality injector cleaner through it before starting to take things to pieces. If the problem improves - ie. smoke output reduces - it would show it's likely to be dirty, maybe carbon fouled, injectors

Thanks Jock .. The Air and Fuel filters were all changed in July when it had a full service .. But having said that it didn't smoke half as much before that full service ... ? I have tried the RedEX additive and I have now ordered two bottles of Dipitane .. Can you think of any others that I can try ?

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

There are quite a few to choose from but the workshops around me seem to like Forte products and it's a brand that's been around for quite a while. It could be worth trying your local trade factor to see if they supply, rather than a retail outlet, because I believe there are "trade" formulations available which are a bit "stronger" than the stuff you find on the shelf in a store. Here's one to think about which I've seen empty bottles of in workshops around here: https://www.forteuk.co.uk/product/diesel-specialist-injector-cleaner/

 

[Pugglt Auld Jock]

Further to my post above. This website might be interesting: https://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/ I buy a fuel conditioner from them in the hope it might reduce inlet carbon fouling on my Direct Injection petrol engine Ibiza. They are very knowledgeable and respond readily to emails asking for advice - good people.

 

[LuckyJim]

Further to my post above. This website might be interesting: https://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/ I buy a fuel conditioner from them in the hope it might reduce inlet carbon fouling on my Direct Injection petrol engine Ibiza. They are very knowledgeable and respond readily to emails asking for advice - good people.

Thanks Buddy

 

[LandyAndy]

My 09 X250 2.3 Ducato smoke was caused by EGR stuck open, and dodgy throttle body. Didn’t do anything soon enough about as “just a bit of smoke” and so it cost me a turbo too.

 

[theoneandonly]

I have good experiance using Liqui Moly Diesel purge for cleaning injectors both on my Ducato and Skoda.
I would suggest Monitoring the injector variances using Multiecuscan. either purchasing eg via Gendan or using the services of a member in newcastle offering their help.

North - Newcastle

Hello all. I have a full version with all the leads. Based in Walker.

www.fiatforum.com

contact via PM.

 

[LuckyJim]

My 09 X250 2.3 Ducato smoke was caused by EGR stuck open, and dodgy throttle body. Didn’t do anything soon enough about as “just a bit of smoke” and so it cost me a turbo too.

Thanks Andy .. it's all good feedback .. I will take it up with the Garage in Spring when I take the winter covers off ..

 

[theoneandonly]

Sorry about misreading your location
nearest seems to be in Derby

MultiECUScan

Help, tips and advice for using MultiECUScan.

www.fiatforum.com

 

[LandyAndy]

Thanks Andy .. it's all good feedback .. I will take it up with the Garage in Spring when I take the winter covers off ..

Just so you know, and possibly inform the garage, the X250 Ducato has no idea what the EGR, and few other things, are doing. It just supplies power to, and assumes it has done it. I had zero problems with mine apart from black smoke.

 

[bugsymike]

No chance it is running cold or has a faulty sensor telling it that and chucking more fuel in.
I believe there is a cheap "tuning device" on eBay that is sold to diesel owners that connects to the temp sensor and all it is, is a resister inside a box that alters the reading to the ECU telling it the temp. is low to increase fueling for a "cold" engine. I know you want the opposite .
Within certain limits slightly more turbo boost giving more oxygen can burn more cleaner, I know the ECU and sensors should ensure clean burning.
That's another thought, no slight intercooler air leak?

 

[Stigofthedump]

Mine has black smoke when the air mass sensor is connected.
But I do have a problem in that area anyway with the sensor.