VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: kiff on March 31, 2008, 10:06:58 pm

Title: Cold Start, very smokey
Post by: kiff on March 31, 2008, 10:06:58 pm

So I got a 84 rabbit Diesel N/A a week or so ago.  It only has 1 issue.  When I start it cold, it smokes like crazy and idles rough.  Once warm, runs fine, no smoke unless I come to a stop from a cruise, then I get a puff. So I have started testing a few things.  

I put a little water over each injector to check for bubbles, #4 bubbles a little bit

Also #3 injector has some diesel leakage between the 2 halves

With a warm engine, I cracked the fuel lines to test for injectors.  RPM dropped each time.

With a cold engine, RPM dropped on all EXCEPT #2

I don't know much about the maintenace history of the car (when/if injectors were replace, same with glow plugs)

Any ideas?

Title: Cold Start, very smokey
Post by: burn_your_money on March 31, 2008, 10:17:05 pm

I'd venture to guess you need to replace your injectors. Do the complete set

Title: Cold Start, very smokey
Post by: luke 1970 on March 31, 2008, 10:36:05 pm

i have the same problem, but i think it is possiblly worse. smoky start until good fuel flow is established
i believe the problem is caused by air entering the system. if i am parted over night it can be difficult to start the car. the system needs to be primed, which means cranking the engine over with the started for way to long of costing down a hill in 3rd gear. neither good options. i have not been able to figure out why the fuel is draining out of the system.  is there a check valve missing or that has failed? there is no signs of a fuel leak anywhere.
check your fuel line for air (ther clear one that runs from the filter to infector pump. i think you will notice bubbles. now all you have to do is find out how the air is getting in there.
good luck
ps i'm not sure why the injectors would be the cause of the smoke

Title: Cold Start, very smokey
Post by: kiff on March 31, 2008, 10:39:29 pm

the car starts just fine cold, just really smokey and rought

Title: Cold Start, very smokey
Post by: Dsldub on April 01, 2008, 03:27:36 am

edited for content

Title: Cold Start, very smokey
Post by: kiff on April 01, 2008, 05:20:58 pm

well my mileage is still decent (37-40mpg), runs fine when warm.  I'm thinking maybe the glow plug isn't working and not getting combustion when cold?  any other thoughts?

Title: Cold Start, very smokey
Post by: KTZed on April 02, 2008, 08:42:48 am

I have exactly the same problem...really smokey/rough for the 1st 30sec or so in the morn then it stops stumbling and still has a bit of white smoke. Im thinking glowplugs on mine just cause it runs perfect once it gets over its little fit.