Sticking EGR Valve?

**Paul Jay** · 05-01-2008,02:00 PM

Hi All

Crasher probably has the quick answer/solution, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

My 2001 Bora 130 PD is very smoky on cold starts. It coughs and splutters before it actually runs, emits a large cloud of smoke for a few seconds (which stinks of unburnt diesel) then runs fine. Subsequent starts are also no problem.

The car uses virtually no oil, exhibits no running problems and there don't appear to be any turbo issues.

Any ideas?

**Crasher** · 05-01-2008,02:45 PM

Glow plugs.

**Paul Jay** · 05-01-2008,06:54 PM

Thanks mate, should have known.

They were (allegedly) replaced last winter, but I think one or more of them may be duff.

It's a relatively easy job to change them on PD engines I believe, so I think a new set may be in order!

Cheers

**Crasher** · 06-01-2008,06:21 PM

It is easy but be ever so careful not to snap one off, one of my mechanics did once and I had a hell of a game getting it back out.

**Paul Jay** · 10-01-2008,10:46 PM

Had glow plugs checked today and they only removed 2 because the other 2 were 'difficult' - assume they could have been broken if removed. All resistances were OK apparently!

Doing double preheats apparently solves the rough idle problem but it still smokes a lot, then is clear after the cloud!

Any ideas?

**STEWY L** · 10-01-2008,11:32 PM

sounds as if the two " difficult " plugs are goosed!!!
doing two preheats may just be heating the two that are working a little bit more
and the smoke is coming from the two that arn't working.(bare in mind you will still get a bit of smoke from the ones that are working, which is normal ).
garage may have been trying to save you extra expense that removing snapped glow plugs would have incurred?

**Paul Jay** · 28-01-2008,09:50 PM

Hi again guys

This saga is still bugging me a little, so any further help would be appreciated.

Crasher said glow plugs and I do have my suspicions, but the started the car yesterday and today (when temp was at least 6 degrees C and glow plugs are not likely to be used) and there was very little smoke and instant start up. Usually, there's a splutter a cloud of evil smelling (diesel) smoke and then we're OK.

Once the car has been run, all later starts are smoke free. Left it for 10 hours today at work and started immediately without any fuss (or smoke).

Car has covered 106K but uses next to no oil (I've never had to add any at all) and runs fine.

Any other suggestions?

Cheers

Paul

**Crasher** · 28-01-2008,11:21 PM

When did it last have a fault code read?

**Paul Jay** · 29-01-2008,06:54 PM

Hi Crasher

Thanks for your reply mate.

I have to admit that I have never had a fault code read on the car since I bought it 3 years ago, although servicing has been fastidiously carried out and oil changes at every 6K rather than 10k using PD oil.

Due to my healthy disrespect for anything related to a main dealer, I've always relied upon a guy I trust, but he doesn't have diagnostic gear yet. As I live in a rural area, I'm not aware of anyone locally who could help. Because the car always ran OK and the smoke only really manifests itself on cold starts and my work usually involved 12 hour days, my time is very limited so it's the usual case of good intentions but not getting round to it.

Do you have any initial thoughts or areas where I could start?

Cheers

Paul