Cheap Zafira 2.0 Diesel - Smokes on start

arcon5

motorguy wrote: »

Wont have a DPF at that age, wouldnt cause smokiness if it did and was removed.

Not ops type of smoking but it certainly can. I've driven an 05 zafira with a gutted DPF which had to be remapped because it was absolutely bellowing out smoke at intervals it would otherwise be burning the siot

arcon5

Ice driven a number of zafiras for work op (there fleet having a number of 2994-2007). Latter year models a comfortable ride, but overall they had nothing but problem after problem.
Wouldn't touch one at all

OddballJamie

Get the dealer to MOT it or use it to get another dealer to come down on price on a similar one.

Although I'd be looking for private sales at that budget as a few hundred quid could be the dealer profit margin.

Also do you need diesel or would a looked after petrol suffice?

shopaholicz

My last Zafira 04 had a DPF that was shot. A friend at work sugested we had the DPF removed, which we did. After that it smoked like crazy, more first thing in the morning, but a little all the time. Got a new Zafira now, that's OK. but it certainly can cause your car to smoke like mad.

mark55man

Thanks everyone - what a great bunch of responses.


Might relook at private sellers - not going to get a warranty on an old car


Have decided to see how this month goes and look again later - may be try and branch out to different makes - but need 7 seats so a bit limited


Thanks again

motorguy

facade wrote: »

+1

My brother has one with 3* glow plugs, starts with a lot of cranking, runs on 3 cylinders for a mile or so before the 4th one gets the idea, then it is fine.
Haven't noticed a great deal of smoke tbh.



* I do believe that it actually has 4, the 4th is attached somewhere to stop the glowplug failure light coming on, but it isn't inside the engine

Easy start is your friend.

http://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/fuel-oil-additives/bradex-easy-start-300ml

motorguy

arcon5 wrote: »

Not ops type of smoking but it certainly can. I've driven an 05 zafira with a gutted DPF which had to be remapped because it was absolutely bellowing out smoke at intervals it would otherwise be burning the siot

I was talking specifically about the O/Ps situation.

Whoever did your DPF removal didnt do much of a job if they didnt remap the ECU to prevent it smoking in the first instance.

motorguy

shopaholicz wrote: »

My last Zafira 04 had a DPF that was shot. A friend at work sugested we had the DPF removed, which we did. After that it smoked like crazy, more first thing in the morning, but a little all the time. Got a new Zafira now, that's OK. but it certainly can cause your car to smoke like mad.

Your DPF being shot could have caused further problems up the line that caused the smokiness at startup - EGR valve, Turbo, etc. Also injector wear will cause it.

motorguy

arcon5 wrote: »

Ice driven a number of zafiras for work op (there fleet having a number of 2994-2007). Latter year models a comfortable ride, but overall they had nothing but problem after problem.
Wouldn't touch one at all

The 1.9CDTI fitted to the revised car, 2005-2007 is a pig of a thing. Bad engine all round. The old 2.0DTI is decent enough IF you get a good one.

I've no issues with them as a car - have maybe sold 30+ in my time - cheap for a 7 seater and lots of space.

motorguy

mark88man wrote: »

Thanks everyone - what a great bunch of responses.


Might relook at private sellers - not going to get a warranty on an old car


Have decided to see how this month goes and look again later - may be try and branch out to different makes - but need 7 seats so a bit limited


Thanks again

Buy privately and you will get a better car for your money - make sure you ARE buying privately and not off a trader masquerading as a private seller.

Ask specifically to be there when the engine is cold and start it from cold. You can tell an awful lot about a diesel car by starting it from cold. Walk away from anything that isnt perfect.