300tdi Smokin like a good un???

[doobreydog]

Just to let you know I have very little knowledge of diesels so keep any answers simple....please.....as ill be trying to explain over phone

Mate is normally fairly competent mechanic with no access to internet has just replaced head gasket on 300tdi (also turbo return hose at same time) Engine seems to be running nice and smooth but blowing out a massive amount of white/blue smoke.

Have run up to temperature a few times and when warmed up smoke dissapears at idle but as soon as engine is under load then smoke pours out again.

Any suggestions really appreciated
Cheers in advance

[Macalac]

As your turbo drain hose has been changed that would be the first thing I would check. Check it is not kinked and restricting the oil draining from the turbo bearing - if it is it is possible that you are flooding the bearing and oil is being forced out through the seals and burning off on the exhaust side. Too much back pressure will pop the seals out and they may not re-seat properly.

[doobreydog]

As your turbo drain hose has been changed that would be the first thing I would check. Check it is not kinked and restricting the oil draining from the turbo bearing - if it is it is possible that you are flooding the bearing and oil is being forced out through the seals and burning off on the exhaust side. Too much back pressure will pop the seals out and they may not re-seat properly.

Interesting....Hose was kinked when he first fitted it....now straightened...

Sounding very much like it could be problem...What seals would it pop???

As said oil burners not my field so any further advice appreciated.

[Macalac]

The seals are the shaft seals in the turbo, by popping I mean that they become dislodged, or leak. If the turbo drain hose was kinked it is possible that the seals are now leaking. I had the same problem, and it the amount of smoke did reduce over time, however I am now (18 months later) replacing the turbo as the smoke has re-appeared recently, and I am getting a lot of oil coming through the air side as well. If you remove the air pipe from the turbo you will be able to tell if the seals are passing oil by the amount of oil resudue in the pipe. Will probably be visible before you take the pipe off as it will be around the underside of the turbo as well, and will probably be evident at the intercooler as well.

I am fitting my turbo tomorrow as it happens, I purchased one from Paddocks at what I think is a reasonable price for a new turbo. The replacement comes attached to the centre part of the exhaust manifold and you have to remove the "arms" of the manifold (No1 and No4 Exh ports) from the original. Comes off fairly easily with the application of arubber mallet.

You can also buy seals and bearings for the turbo, I remember researching on the 'tinternet and found a company that sold all the parts. Turbocharger sales Garrett Turbochargers Holset Turbo Turbos (http://www.turboactive.com/) The reason I have not gone down this route is my caution regarding the balance of the turbo shaft after dismantling. The nut holding the impellor has been ground on one side during balancing (I presume) and although I could have replaced the nut so that it all aligns again I am still not convinced that the original balance would be retained and it does spin at quite high revs.

[doobreydog]

Cheers mate....sounding definitely like problem, hopefully if weather holds tonight will get a chance to look....will let you know how it goes