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Whining, rattling, smoking diesel
No, it doesn't do this all the time, fortunately! The problem is intermittent, which makes it difficult to explain/demonstrate to a garage.
Vehicle is a 10 year old 1999 model Ford Transit 2.5l turbo-diesel, which is generally in good nick and runs well, with only 35kmiles behind it.
However, recently it's started misbehaving. Generally it happens half a mile after starting from cold after a longish run - usually when doing about 50mph on a typical straight A-road. The power will start to die away and then return every few seconds, and then if I apply more throttle I get a high-pitched whining, and if I apply more, the engine starts to rattle loudly and I get a lot of smoke from the exhaust, and power (and road speed) drop rapidly. After about a mile or so the symptoms disappear - though the queue of annoyed car drivers behind me takes a little while longer to clear!
Any ideas as to the cause? I've been told that air in the fuel system causes something similar, though why this should cause the rattling and smoke is something I can't quite understand...
Vehicle is a 10 year old 1999 model Ford Transit 2.5l turbo-diesel, which is generally in good nick and runs well, with only 35kmiles behind it.
However, recently it's started misbehaving. Generally it happens half a mile after starting from cold after a longish run - usually when doing about 50mph on a typical straight A-road. The power will start to die away and then return every few seconds, and then if I apply more throttle I get a high-pitched whining, and if I apply more, the engine starts to rattle loudly and I get a lot of smoke from the exhaust, and power (and road speed) drop rapidly. After about a mile or so the symptoms disappear - though the queue of annoyed car drivers behind me takes a little while longer to clear!
Any ideas as to the cause? I've been told that air in the fuel system causes something similar, though why this should cause the rattling and smoke is something I can't quite understand...
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Comments
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Sounds like it could be something to do with the turbo.0
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Whining?, Smoking?, Rattling?
Not sure mate, but when you find out can you let me know, my wifes got the same symptoms, :AI like the thanks button, but ,please, an I agree button.
Will the grammar and spelling police respect I do make grammatical errors, and have carp spelling, no need to remind me.;)
Always expect the unexpected:eek:and then you won't be dissapointed0 -
Air in the system will prevent fuel getting to the engine causing misfiring and rattling. Without the burning fuel, it could be causing pressure drops which allow oil to be sucked into the cylinders and out through the exhaust.
Only a suggestion as to how air might sause the symptons & not an expert opinion BTW!
Air impgress is notorious in older diesels due to wearing seals in the fuel system (usually around the fuel filter area) Have you run the vehicle on bio-diesel recently? That can speed up the deteriation of rubber seals. If this is the problem, would be and easy fix.0 -
Simple fixes - or things to try...
Change the air filter, check all pipes to & from filter box are on properly & not blocked or split.
Change fuel filter.
Are you using or loosing oil?
Next would be to get garage to check each injector is working, or in need of cleaning. Gonna be an hours labour probably, unless you have a diesel diagnostic type centre with 'free' checks.
The next stage will be pump & or turbo testing & £$£$ spending.
Next is even more £$£$, if you have an engine problem.
BUT... please don't think this rude, but it's hard to think 35000 is a true mileage on your van!
It's against the law for old Trannies to have covered less than a zillion miles!!
VB0 -
thescouselander wrote: »Sounds like it could be something to do with the turbo.
My initial thoughts. It's the first turbo'd vehicle I've ever owned so I don't know much about them, but you would think that a straight road and steady throttle would be the last place that one would give trouble. It's not giving problems with acceleration from cold, nor when fully hot, and you'd think either of those extremes would be more testing for a turbo?
Mkirkby: Thanks for the possible explanation for the smoke, etc. No to the bio-diesel.
Vansboy: Yes, I'm aware that it's illegal to own a 10 year old Transit with that mileage, and that the DVLA will add 200,000 miles if they find out, but I'm 99% sure that it's genuine.
No, it's not losing or using engine oil.
Thanks - I'll go underneath with a lamp tomorrow and check for splits and leaks, and as you say, it won't harm to change the fuel filter at relatively low cost.
Is it fair to assume that it's not water in the diesel? I think that just stops it dead, but may be wrong about that...
Just hoping to find a leak somewhere, as turbo or fuel pump is going to be ££££.0 -
Dont know owt about transits. These guys do though http://fordtransit.org/forum/
Proud of who, and what, I am. :female::male::cool:0 -
Dont know owt about transits. These guys do though http://fordtransit.org/forum/
It hadn't occurred to me to look for a Transit specific forum, but now you mention that, it seems obvious that there would be one. Thanks - I'll have a look there.0 -
My brother spends most of his waking hours on there it seems (well, that or ebay!) so if you see a "MinorMatt" give him a prod on my behalf :rotfl:Proud of who, and what, I am. :female::male::cool:0
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