Q: SMOKE from diesel engines .. do you have a list of causes?
A: YES. The following checklist may assist in identifying faults that will contribute to smoke emissions from diesel engines ..
- Dirty or worn fuel injectors .. commonly carbon deposits affecting spray pattern.
- Carbon deposits throughout combustion chambers .. common in lightly loaded engines.
- Excessive carbon build-up around exhaust valves and exhaust spaces.
- Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system faulty, or blocked with carbon.
- Sticking piston rings .. often due to carbon deposits.
- Glazed cylinder cross-hatch .. due to carbon deposits.
- Incorrect fuel injection timing .. commonly too retarded.
- Fuel injection pump wear, or incorrect settings .. commonly retarded.
- Faulty cold start, or faulty advance/retard mechanisms .. commonly retarded.
- Incorrect air/fuel ratio setting .. excessive fuel to air ratio.
- Under-performing turbocharger .. pressure low.
- Incorrect valve clearances .. often timing error when replacing cam-belts.
- Faulty valve stem seals .. rarely.
- Engine wear in general .. often misdiagnosed when carbon deposits are the real problem.
- Engine oil viscosity too low .. check oil grade against operating conditions.
- Cool operating temperatures .. coolant should reach 85C, or higher. Check thermostats.
- Engine overloaded .. reduce load, use lower gear, clean anti-foul, change propellor pitch.
- High altitude operation .. lack of oxygen to complete fuel burn.
- Dirty or restricted air cleaner systems .. air intake filter partially blocked.
- Poor quality fuel.
You can often stop engine exhaust smoke without the need of a mechanical repair, plus improve economy and engine power, by using these products alone or in combination: FTC catalytic decarbonizer (in the fuel); CRD Fuel ENHANCER (in the fuel); DeSLUDGE (in the engine oil prior to an oil and filter change); NanoEnergizer nanotechnology metal restorer (in the engine oil).