So i know they are supposed to smoke - page 1 - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• So i know they are supposed to smoke by Guipo on 01 Aug, 2008 08:39
• But I got pulled Over yesterday for excessive smoke.  Told the officer it was a diesel, and he let me go, but that got me thinking, am I abnormally smoking.
  
  Now I've had chevy diesels for years, and the first thing that comes to my head is air filter, and then injectors.  Is there anything else I should look for that would cut down on the cloud behind me?  
  
  I really wish I had a turbo so I could burn all that unused fuel!  
  
  Guipo
• #1 by zukgod1 on 01 Aug, 2008 09:09
• At least I'm not the only one..
  
  Is your car a TD or are you talking about the Dasher in your sig?
• #2 by Possum79 on 01 Aug, 2008 09:28
• Whoa manteca! I thought I was rocking the only old vw diesel around here. Every diesel I see is new TDI. What side of Manteca do you live?
• #3 by Guipo on 01 Aug, 2008 09:54
• Quote from: "zukgod1"

  At least I'm not the only one..
  
  Is your car a TD or are you talking about the Dasher in your sig?

  
  
  Dasher.  Turbo would be cool.
  
  So sounds like smoke isnt fixable without a turbo eh?
• #4 by Guipo on 01 Aug, 2008 09:55
• I live by Raleys!  We should have a diesel day...lol.  Smokescreen on the freeway.
  
  

  Quote from: "Possum79"

  Whoa manteca! I thought I was rocking the only old vw diesel around here. Every diesel I see is new TDI. What side of Manteca do you live?
• #5 by Possum79 on 01 Aug, 2008 10:58
• Ha thats sweet! I used to live over by Raleys but I just moved over by the Perko's/El Pollo Loco area.
  
  Sadly mine doesnt smoke to bad.  :wink:
• #6 by Guipo on 01 Aug, 2008 11:03
• Nice.  No smoke, how do you manage that.
  
  Part of the problem is that in the Dasher, the 4 speed winds up like you wouldn't believe on the freeway.  I need to change the thermostat in it too, it never warms up.
  
  Do you drive to Modesto?  I've seen a white Rabbit diesel driving from modesto some days.
• #7 by zukgod1 on 01 Aug, 2008 11:16
• you can advance the timing a tad that will help then as you mentioned the injectors my need attention as well. A worn set of injectors will cause smoke and poor economy as well.
  Air filter as you mentioned as well.
• #8 by Possum79 on 01 Aug, 2008 11:19
• Yea its been rare that I got to modesto lately. I used to go to MJC all the time. My rabbit is a 4 door silver/green rust bucket. There is another cabrio that looks like mine just more damage and isnt diesel out there. I'm going to paint it silver when I get the cash. Im rocking a 5 speed and if i hold it out I get a little black with some white smoke in it. My car needs a lot of work.
• #9 by Smokey Eddy on 01 Aug, 2008 11:53
• there is a fuel screw on your IP that you can turn one way or another to change the amount of fuel. Clockwise is more fuel, counter clockwise is less fuel. It is on the head side of the pump and sticks out in the same direction as the outputs it will have a nut on it and possibly a colored band to prevent you from screwing it INWARD too far. Let me know if you have trouble finding it. It's also refered to as the "smoke screw" :wink:
• #10 by Guipo on 01 Aug, 2008 11:55
• Nice!  I'll look for it.  I'm only getting 37mpg, but I thought that was ok for the 4spd.  Hopefully that will help!
  
  

  Quote from: "Smokey Eddy"

  there is a fuel screw on your IP that you can turn one way or another to change the amount of fuel. Clockwise is more fuel, counter clockwise is less fuel. It is on the head side of the pump and sticks out in the same direction as the outputs it will have a nut on it and possibly a colored band to prevent you from screwing it INWARD too far. Let me know if you have trouble finding it. It's also refered to as the "smoke screw" :wink:
• #11 by Possum79 on 01 Aug, 2008 12:30
• Careful with that screw though. It's sensitive from what I've read. Only play with it in 1/4 turns. I have yet to mess with mine because I want to fix more stuff before trying to get any power out of my 1.5
• #12 by stuvy on 01 Aug, 2008 13:01
• If your going to play with the fuel screw, insure the car is running, and only move it in 1/8th to 1/4 turns. Rev the motor, see your smoke. Repeat, but be careful, to much in the more fuel and you could have a run away, and to low it wont run.
• #13 by Guipo on 01 Aug, 2008 13:26
• Replaced the Air Filter.  It was coated in Oil and Gunk.  So hopefully that will help.  Why would the Air filter be coated?
  
  I couldnt identify the screw.  Anyone have a pic?
• #14 by Possum79 on 01 Aug, 2008 13:36
• The air filter is coated in oil because your engine probably has blow-by. Your rings are probably toast. There is a breather hose that goes from the valve cover to the intake manifold. when the rings wear out they allow pressure to blow by and push oil up that hose. If your intake is full of oil then your engine could run away(reving out of control) by running on just the oil. If you take the hose off the valve cover you can put your hand over it at various rpms to see how much air goes out.
  
  a way to slow that oil down is to get a cam baffle.
  
  http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=35bkvyamo1tokvzz1v2pps45&makeid=800026@VW&modelid=1284959@RABBIT%20&year=1979&cid=20@Engine%20Parts,%20Seals%20%26%20Gaskets&gid=5770@Valve%20Cover%20Oil%20Deflector
  
  Mine does the same thing. I just keep an eye on it cuz its not to bad right now. The real way to fix it is to re-ring your pistons and hone it, or do a rebuild.