Ford Fiesta 1.8D emissions problem

Just putting the injector cleaner through my diesel didn't do much to lower the emissions; Redex Diesel treatment + revving the nuts off the engine for several minutes resulted, initially, in a huge clouds of black smoke and did lower the emissions by quite a chunk ;)

Mix some bicarb with some icing sugar and some ciric acid, have a taste. that's CO2

next, read the Haynes manual regards timing, remove the timing belt cover and (slighlty) adjust the injection timing. Retighten, start motor, sniff exhaust.

repeat a few times until both enghine is quiet and the exhaust smells on the borderline between sherbet fizz and soot.

That's how I did it, and how my 1.8 Escort D got the nickname 'Sherbie'.

You may want to replave the cam belt and the injection belt at the same time.

A neighbour in London had the cam belt snap on him and it cost 600 quids to put the problem right when his valves became mangled.

How old is the van? when where it's timing belts last renewed?

Failing renewal (renewal is advisable - go by the book), Redex is AFAIK the best treatment.

-- Billy H

Tony

Where are you based? I'd be happy to help out if your not too far away.

Roadside mechanic-ing it isn't beyond...

And I won't charge big garage rates...

-- Billy H

Aside from maintanance measures to reduce the soot level as much as possible through:

o injector cleaner (use at least double strength or better still some ATF) o a good thrash o ensuring the engine is getting as hot as possible pre test- i.e. thermostat o timing is correct o new air cleaner o cold start auto advance is not sticking o EGR isnt stuck open (later engines only)

Next on the agenda would be to screw down the max speed screw and / or screw in the fuelling screw. 2 turns and 1/2 a turn respectively will make masses of difference.

Its up to you whether you put them back after the test or live with the reduced performance.

Tim..

While I was fitting the MOT computer, I overheard one of the mechanics saying that all those cleaners and additives were snake oil. When a diesel is too smoky, he puts a pint of petrol in the tank, and it lowers the smoke levels.

Bob

hmmm possible. when the diesel ignites, it ingnites the petrol, that then burns off the rest of the diesel. sounds logical :-)

Thank you all for your suggestions.

I have tried the neat Redex in the fuel filter trick and the 2nd gear against the governor for a number of miles trick. However it still didn't get it far enough down.

But! I don't know what he did (and I didn't ask) but the tester was able to get it through the emissions test.

In the next 12 months I shall review belts, timing, fuelling, filters, injectors etc. and try to have an easier ride through the MOT next year!

Cheers

Peter

Hmm. What's the mileage? It may be that the injectors are, plain and simple, shot.

Or all it may need is a new air filter, change the oil and plugs, *don't* run injector cleaner for the tank before you take it in, job done.

The older 1.6 diesels were b*****s to get through the emissions test after a few years, but they could *really* be run on a shoestring. :)